Written question asked by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Thursday, 23 October 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 November 2003. It was answered by David Miliband (Labour) on Monday, 3 November 2003 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, if he will make an assessment of the need for further clarification of the National Literacy Strategy's Framework for Teaching guidance on phonics instruction.

Answer: Mr. Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will make an assessment of the need for further clarification of the National Literacy Strategy's Framework for Teaching guidance on phonics instruction. [135022] Mr. Miliband: As outlined in the Department's response in August to Professor Greg Brooks' report of the phonics seminar held in March 2003, we agree that some clarification of the National Literacy Strategy's Framework for teaching is required and the Primary Strategy is developing further guidance, including a supplement to the "Progression in Phonics" material. This supplement will be made available to teachers towards the end of the spring term 2004.

Secondary information