Written question asked by Stephen Hesford (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of the literacy hour and numeracy period on academic achievement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Hesford: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assessment he has made of the impact of the introduction of the literacy hour and numeracy period on academic achievement. [139049] Ms Estelle Morris: This year's Key Stage 2 test results show that the literacy and numeracy strategies are raising standards. 75 per cent. of pupils achieved level 4 or above in English, a 10 per cent. point increase since 1998, and 72 per cent. in mathematics, a 13 per cent. point increase. The results also show that the strategies are narrowing the achievement gap between advantaged and disadvantaged LEAs. In English, no LEA is now achieving below 60 per cent., while in 1996, the average LEA achieved only 57 per cent. Ofsted confirm that the strategies are resulting in "better teaching and better achievement in English and mathematics" and that this "more structured teaching is having a positive effect in other curriculum areas such as science".

Secondary information