More toddlers in Wiltshire reached key developmental milestones during the first year of the coronavirus pandemic, figures show.

But with fewer children at or above the expected level across England, charity Action for Children has called for urgent investment to prevent a “childhood crisis”.

At the age of two, children are invited to undergo a developmental check to see how they are progressing mentally and physically.

The comprehensive check sees health visitors assess the child’s communication, social interaction, problem-solving, fine motor skills (such as holding objects and drawing) and gross motor skills, such as walking without falling and kicking a ball.

Data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows 92 per cent of Wiltshire children reviewed met or exceeded expectations in all five areas in 2020-21.

That was up slightly from 91 per cent the previous year. The figures show in Wiltshire, around 99 per cent of youngsters were on track with their fine motor skills, while 97 per cent had adequate gross motor skills. Problem-solving was on target for 97 per cent of youngsters and 95 per cent were above or exceeding expectations around communications.