Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Baroness Teather (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Thursday, 12 October 2006 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Educational Attainment

Question: The Government were quick to require schools to teach phonics, but that was only one area highlighted by the Rose report. Why have the Government not addressed other areas, such as speaking and listening skills, which are a foundation for achieving literacy and numeracy?

Answer: We have concentrated on phonics, but that does not mean that we have ignored the other excellent suggestions in the Rose report. Phonics has received coverage, and the issues that the hon. Lady mentions have not, but they are a crucial part of the foundation stage. Jim Rose and his people are absolutely right to highlight the importance of listening and speaking skills. In addition, the ““social and emotional aspects of learning”” project is hugely successful, and is being rolled out across primary schools. The teachers to whom I have spoken think that it is long overdue and will bring about a huge improvement in those soft skills that pupils increasingly need in the modern labour environment.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 450 c432-3
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: School leaving Teaching methods Basic skills Standards Literacy Numeracy
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk