Written question asked by David TC Davies (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 June 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2009. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2009 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Literacy Teaching

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what steps he is taking to improve the teaching of literacy in schools.

Answer: Primary literacy standards are the highest levels ever, and GCSE English pass rates are rising. The National Strategies support schools across England to strengthen the quality of literacy teaching, including phonics, and disseminate good practice. In particular, the 'Every Child a Reader' and 'Every Child a Writer' programmes support the neediest pupils' literacy development. We work closely with the Training and Development Agency to ensure that Initial Teacher Training providers offer the best possible training.

Secondary information