Nearly half of Camden’s five-year-olds are failing to reach expected standards in school, including in reading and writing, according to parliamentary research.

Camden is classed as one of the worst boroughs in London for the high percentage of children aged five who have not developed enough in five key educational disciplines.

The research by the House of Commons Library on behalf of former Labour MP Dame Tessa Jowell last week reveals that 44 per cent of Camden’s five-year-olds – totalling 798 children – have not met expected standards in communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development, literacy and mathematics.

Camden’s performance is six percentage points above the London average of 38 per cent.

A spokesman from Camden Council declined to comment.

In Haringey, 1,225 children – or 39 per cent – have fallen below expected standards in school.

Cllr Ann Waters, Haringey’s cabinet member for children and families said: “We’re pleased that since 2010 we’ve seen the number of children achieving a good level of early years attainment in Haringey increase from 42 percent to 61 percent, and that there has been similar improvements made at Key Stage Two, GCSE and A-level. We are committed to offering every child in Haringey the best possible start in life, and we are continuing to work closely... to drive forward further improvements.”