Children are starting primary school lacking in the necessary basic skills needed for a successful introduction to the world of education.

This is according to new figures from the Department for Education, which found that youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds in particular are not ready for school.

Childcare and education minister Sam Gyimah said that nurseries and other child carers need to do more to overcome these challenges.

Despite concerns, figures show that 60 per cent of children aged five are "making good progress".

Mr Gyimah said that part of the coalition government's plan for reforming education is to ensure that parents are able to access "affordable, flexible and high-quality early years provision".

"We know the first few years of a child’s life can be make or break in terms of how well they go on to do at school and beyond," he continued.

"The statistics published today clearly show that some progress is being made but more must be done to ensure children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are put on the right path."

The MP added that parents need to feel safe in the knowledge that when their kids are "out of their care" they are benefitting from quality education in a safe and happy environment.

"The government has provided new funding through the early years pupil premium and strengthened qualifications to raise standards," Gyimah went on to say.

"It’s now up to those who support our children to ensure they get the start in life they deserve - something parents and I both want to see."

Other interesting figures released by the Department for Education included 66 per cent of youngsters achieving the expected levels of development in literacy. For maths it was higher at 72 per cent.

There is still a significant gender gap, with girls continuing to outperform boys. 69 per cent of girls achieved a "good level of development" by the time they reached primary school, compared to just 52 per cent of boys.