Mums and dads are concerned that their children will struggle to make friends when they start school for the first time, a new survey has revealed.

Action for Children found that 33 per cent of British parents consider this to be their main area of disquiet when their youngsters enter the education system.

In joint second place for parental worries is that children will struggle with lessons and not ask for help when needed.

Commenting on the results of the poll, Jan Leightley, acting executive director of operations, acknowledged that the first day of school could be just as anxious a time for parents as their children.

Ms Leightley said that it is worrying that so many youngsters need additional assistance ahead of reception, which is why Action for Children is keen to see more mums and dads make use of children’s centres and early years support.

One individual who has benefited from participating in pre-school initiatives is Kerry Rankin, an Ashington-based teacher and mother to three-year Summer.

Speaking to the charity, she explained that she thought she had done well to prepare her daughter for school by teaching her the basics of reading, writing and numbers.

However, she soon recognised that while Summer had benefited from an introduction to the academic aspect of school life, she had no real experience of socialising with other kids.

"I thought I was giving Summer a head start by teaching her the basics, I didn’t want her to struggle at school,” she said.

“I see now that social element is just as important. At first Summer was very shy and withdrawn, but now she runs to take part in the activities. She has made good friends and she is excited about starting school because she knows she will make even more.”