Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

The Reading Framework

Monday 31 January 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Nick Gibb questioned the effect of the Department's July 2021 policy paper "The Reading Framework" on the quality of reading teaching in primary schools.
  • The Minister praised the Reading Framework as a vital and evidence-based tool to teach reading effectively.
  • The Minister emphasized that phonics is crucial but not taught in isolation, as it is part of a broader approach to fluent reading.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nick Gibb Con
Education
Context

The question arises from the July 2021 policy paper, “The Reading Framework”.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the effect of his Department's July 2021 policy paper, “The Reading Framework”, on the quality of the teaching of reading in primary schools.

Answer from Robin Walker

I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend for his immense work on “The Reading Framework”. The resulting framework is a vital and evidence-based tool to enable schools to teach reading effectively. It shows that phonics is just one part of becoming a fluent reader. Teachers should also focus on speaking and reading stories to foster a love of reading. English hubs tell us that the framework has been well received, and they are delivering a series of well-attended webinars to support schools to implement its recommendations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific assessment of the effect on teaching quality was not provided

How: Pay Tribute, Vital And Evidence-Based Tool

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Q2 Nick Gibb Con
Education
Context

A recent report by education academics challenges the Government's emphasis on phonics in teaching children to read, despite existing evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Question

I am sure my hon. Friend will have seen the recent report by two education academics challenging the Government's focus on phonics, despite all the evidence of its success in teaching children to read. Does he agree on the importance of continuing to make the case for phonics and the importance of the Government's clear focus on the curriculum, and on how it is taught, in helping us to complete our mission to transform the life chances of every child in this country?

Answer from Robin Walker

The evidence for phonics is very secure, and robust studies led by the Education Endowment Foundation show that phonics is extremely effective in teaching students to decode words. Schools do not teach phonics in isolation, and it is just one element of becoming a more fluent reader. Teachers must also focus on other elements of developing a passion for reading.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer did not provide any specific commitment to continue making the case for phonics or detail the government's approach beyond agreeing with its effectiveness.

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