Reading Standards: Primary-age Children

Question

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.

Question

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?

Question

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?

Question

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?