School principals say they’re grappling with growing numbers of new entrants with behaviour and oral communication issues - and believe the Covid-19 pandemic is to blame.

They’re calling for more investment in learning support to help address the problem.

Kerre Woodham believes the problem lies not with the education system, but rather with parents who fail to prepare their kids to enter it.

"How about principals, instead of moaning and grumbling and demanding more of the taxpayers' money to shore up the gaps and poor parenting, actually call the bloody parents to account."

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