Corona measures, including the wearing of masks by caregivers, have affected young children in their social and language development.
This is pointed out by the British school supervisory authority (Ofsted) after having held talks in 70 care facilities.
According to the study, which became known on Monday, the children often have trouble making friends and speaking.
A "limited vocabulary" and the "inability to react to the simplest facial movements" were observed.
Children who turned two this spring "have been surrounded by adults with masks all their lives and therefore could not see lip movements and mouth positions as usual," it says, referring to reports from kindergarten teachers.
Delays in language development meant that "they didn't come into contact with other children in the way that was previously expected".
In addition to communication problems, a lack of self-confidence was noticed.
Many children are more shy and anxious to deal with because they are not used to other faces.
In order to teach children to express feelings, some kindergartens have introduced "emotion cards".
Pictures with children showing different facial movements can be seen on it.
The report notes that overall the situation has improved in recent months and much catching up has been done.
Nonetheless, challenges remained.
For a long time, important discussions between caregivers and parents did not take place because the latter were not allowed to enter the kindergartens.
According to the report, which is based on interviews up to and including February, some parents have not yet seen the inside of their child's facility and have not met the caregivers.
The report indicates that many children are late in learning to crawl and walk.
Sometimes they also needed help getting dressed or blowing their nose at a time when they should be able to do it on their own.
It is to be feared