The number of five and six year olds who need speech and language support at school has risen by 10% in England over the past year, BBC analysis shows.
The increase, which is substantially greater than previous years, is partly due to lockdown limiting social interactions, experts say.
The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists says the profession is struggling to cope with the demand.
At Northwood Community Primary School in Knowsley, Merseyside, there is a higher number of children experiencing language issues than previous years. Out of 500 pupils, around 80 now require extra support.
©BBC