Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Thursday, 28 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 December 2002. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 2002 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what measures will be taken to increase the number of seven year old children reaching set literacy standards. - Includes figures.

Answer: Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures will be taken to increase the number of 7-year-old children reaching set literacy standards. [85054] Mr. Miliband: The National Literacy Strategy (NLS) is raising literacy standards in primary schools. In this year's national tests, 84 per cent. of 7-year-olds achieved the level expected for their age--level 2 or above-- in reading compared to 80 per cent. in 1998; and 69 per cent. achieved at the upper end of level 2--level 2B or above--compared to 62 per cent. in 1998. We remain committed to making further improvements in standards. We have introduced a new intervention programme, Early Literacy Support, to help those children in Year 1 who are already struggling with literacy or at risk of developing literacy difficulties later on. We will also continue to review and refine the literacy strategy in response to the latest research and evidence from our most successful schools.

Secondary information