'Using a toothbrush appropriately as a child is pretty fundamental.' 'It's not the state's responsibility.' Sir Keir Starmer has announced plans to introduce supervised toothbrushing programmes for three-to-five year-olds in fully funded breakfast clubs.

Welcome to @UKLabour in power State intervention on everything Zero responsibility for parents or anyone Heaven help teachers who are already overloaded - supervising teethbrushing ffs

I remember having such classes at school. In the 1970s. We were also given toothbrushes. And there were school dentists. Labour isn't reinventing the wheel with this. Tooth decay is a massive problem. On a trip to a UK supermarket, they other shoppers were missing multiple teeth

Facilitating even more lazy parenting. Staff at breakfast clubs, nurseries and schools have enough to do. If parents can’t supervise teeth brushing they need to have a word with themselves, that’s a form of neglect.

I am sorry but it’s not the schools that should be doing this it’s down too parents not schools

Until the age of eight or until A child can use cursive writing they cannot use a tooth brush ‘appropriately’. Some households do not have toothbrushes or toothpaste. Supervised toothbrushing schemes in Scotland & Wales have reduced decay rates.

It’s all very well saying parents should supervise. That doesn’t take account of shift work, single parents, parents who struggle to afford the basics. This is an investment to avoid high NHS dentistry and health costs down the road. Welcome it.

You’re correct in saying it’s not the state’s responsibility but there are some neglectful parents out there who don’t ensure their children brush their teeth. I think this is a brilliant idea.

My school taught us how to brush our teeth. I cannot fathom why anyone would think this is a bad idea??!!

As a teacher in a school with over 100 children who attend breakfast club that is not possible. I understand if it’s visible that the child does so do it to support them with their health. But it should not be down to teachers/TAs at all! Parent responsibility

If you choose to have children, it’s YOUR responsibility to teach them these basic life skills. GMB seems too quick to pass all responsibility for children onto already overstretched schools!