PRESS RELEASE : Nick Gibb calls for more focus on primary school reading and writing

The press release issued by the Department for Education on 11 November 2010.

Commenting on statistics showing Key Stage 1 attainment by pupil characteristics, Schools Minister Nick Gibb today stressed the need for a greater focus and emphasis on the teaching of reading and writing in primary schools.

The results are available via the Department’s Research and statistics gateway.

Nick Gibb said:

Though there is a slight increase in the proportion of seven-year-olds reaching the expected level in reading, it is a real concern that almost a third of all Key Stage 1 children receiving free school meals are failing to achieve the standard in reading and writing. Additionally, over a third of boys receiving free school meals fail to make the grade in reading and writing.

Getting the fundamentals right is crucial to a child’s success in secondary education and throughout their adult life, and the Government is committed to getting all children reading and writing to a high standard.

That is why we are promoting the use of systematic synthetic phonics in primary schools and why we are introducing a short reading test for six-year-olds, so we can identify those who need extra help. We will also support the most disadvantaged children by introducing a pupil premium which will provide extra funding for those schools with the most challenging intakes.