Reading Standards Primary-age Children 2023-07-17
2023-07-17
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study was published recently, placing England fourth among 43 countries. In 2012, the phonics screening check was introduced.
What steps her Department is taking to improve standards of reading of primary age children? The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study ranked England fourth out of 43 participating countries for nine and ten-year-olds. Since 2012, we have introduced a phonics screening check for six-year-olds.
The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study was published recently placing England fourth among 43 countries. In 2012, the phonics screening check for six-year-olds was introduced; in 2019, before the pandemic, 82% of pupils reached expected standards after a transformation in phonics teaching.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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The National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury Publishing launched a new reading programme aimed at persuading more children to read for pleasure.
Will my right hon. Friend join me in thanking the National Literacy Trust and Bloomsbury Publishing for including a number of schools in Hastings and St Leonards in their pioneering new reading programme, which is specifically aimed at persuading more children to read for pleasure?
I recently met Jonathan Douglas of the National Literacy Trust, and I thank the trust for its enormous contribution to raising the profile of reading for pleasure in schools. Its new programme involves working with seven Brighton Academies Trust schools throughout Hastings.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The Government's White Paper aimed for 90% of pupils leaving primary school to meet expected standards. However, tens of thousands more children have been leaving without meeting these standards.
In its White Paper for schools published last year, the Government's headline ambition was for 90% of pupils leaving primary school to meet the expected standards in reading, writing and maths. Why does the Minister think that since that pledge, tens of thousands more children have been leaving primary school without meeting those standards?
Owing to the pandemic we did see a fall in writing and maths standards. Reading standards rose, then fell by two points this year but are broadly similar to those before the pandemic. Since 2010, reading and maths have improved enormously; I am confident that we will meet the 90% target by 2030.
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Assessment & feedback
specific reasons for the increase in children not meeting standards were not provided
Owed To The Pandemic
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government are rolling out free school meals for all primary school children, while undernourishment is linked to lower reading standards.
We cannot talk about attainment at any level without also taking into account child poverty. The link between undernourishment and lower reading standards and therefore attainment across the board is irrefutable. When children are hungry, they cannot focus on learning. The Scottish Government are currently rolling out free school meals for all primary school children. When will the Minister take decisive steps to combat child poverty and emulate the actions of the Scottish Government?
Under this Government, the number of children receiving free school meals has increased hugely. About a third of children are now eligible for either benefits-related free school meals or universal infant free school meals. However, the hon. Lady should be careful when talking about reading and education standards as they have risen significantly in England.
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Assessment & feedback
did not commit to emulating Scotland's actions
Should Be Careful
Significant Rise In Standards
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