THE proportion of toddlers in Bradford meeting the level of expected development last year was lower than pre-pandemic levels, new figures show.

Statistics from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities reveal 1,507 children in Bradford between the ages of two and two-and-a-half were seen by a health visitor in the final quarter of 2023-24.

Of these children, 1,233 - 82 per cent - met or exceeded the expected level of development for communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social skills.

While it was up from 78 per cent in the same quarter the year prior, it was below the pre-pandemic level of 95 per cent in 2018-19.

Across England, 81 per cent of the cohort were at or above the expected level of development - up slightly from 80 per cent the year before, but still below the level of 83 per cent in 2018-19.

Sue Rogers, head of practice development at the charity Family Action, said a lack of socialisation and reduced income during the pandemic impacted children and families in many ways.

She added: "Children were born and lived in a very adult world but had tiny developing brains that were trying to make sense of all that was happening.

"Many services around the family now work in different ways, offering online self-help and complex systems that people need to navigate.

"This can mean that many families, often the most in need or in the areas of highest deprivation, will find it difficult to get the support needed for their children."

A spokesperson for Bradford Council said: "Our Family Hubs and Start For Life programme and Family and Young Persons Information service have a number of initiatives aimed at improving development in young children, especially around development of communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social skills. 

"As these figures show, there are disparities in development in children living in more deprived areas, which is why as well as providing online resources, much of the above work is being carried out face-to-face in community settings and at our family hubs. 

"In the Bradford district we strongly believe in a partnership approach which is why we work with many organisations to deliver services that ensure we give children the best start in life.

"Information about these services can be found at https://fyi.bradford.gov.uk/familyhubsandstartforlife 

"If you are unable to access a website or need support to do so, you can call us on 01274 432626."