EDUCATION experts in Dorset are looking to address inequalities after it emerged boys are more than twice as likely as girls to fall behind in some skills.

Figures released by charity Save the Children reveal that 440 boys in the county – 21 per cent – fell behind in early language and communication last year. The figure for girls is nine per cent.

The gender gap is 12 points, slightly higher than the national average of 11.3 points.

But the poorest boys are struggling the most, with figures showing 37 per cent of boys who are eligible for free school meals are falling behind.

Calls are now being made for more to be done to support boys and prevent them ‘slipping under the radar’.

Gareth Jenkins, Director of UK Poverty, Save the Children said: “Every child deserves the best start in life. But in England, too many children, especially boys, are slipping under the radar without the support they need to reach their potential. They’re falling behind before they even get to school and that puts their life chances at risk. In 2016, this is unacceptable. A whole generation of boys is being failed.”

Jay Mercer, interim head of strategy, policy and partnerships at Dorset County Council, said the report will be looked at to see what lessons can be learned.

He added: “There has for some time been a national issue for white boys from relatively disadvantaged backgrounds and their low level of attainment on school entry. Dorset’s results are directly compatible with this wider picture. In 2015, Dorset out-performed the national and south west regional figures in communication, language and literacy development for both boys and girls. However, the downside of these high standards for all is that they can also increase the apparent gap between the genders.

“The gender gap for Dorset is very slightly above average, so we will be talking to our neighbours in Bournemouth and Hampshire to draw on and learn from any good practice identified.

“We give a high priority to ensuring the best possible start in life for all Dorset children, but particularly the most vulnerable. Quality pre-school provision and improved levels of qualification for those working with pre-school children are critical to doing this. Dorset is committed to improving these standards but national inequalities in the levels of funding also need to be addressed.”