THE proportion of young children in Barnsley meeting the level of expected development last year was higher than pre-pandemic levels, new figures show.

But across England, children’s development remains below the levels seen five years ago.

Family Action said financial difficulties and lack of socialisation during the pandemic has impacted children in many ways, adding parents are still struggling to find support.

Figures from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities show 613 children in Barnsley between the ages of two and two-and-a-half were seen by a health visitor in the final quarter of 2023/2024.

Of these children, 523 met or exceeded the expected level of development for communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, and personal-social skills.

It was up from 74 per cent in the same quarter the year prior, and above 84 per cent five years prior.