Written question asked by Mark Hoban (Conservative) on Monday, 29 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 April 2004. It was answered by Stephen Twigg (Labour) on Monday, 19 April 2004 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 assessment he has made of the effectiveness of phonics in the teaching of reading; and what guidance he has issued concerning its use in primary schools.

Answer: Mr. Hoban: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of phonics in the teaching of reading; and what guidance he has issued concerning its use in primary schools. [165322] Mr. Stephen Twigg: From a position where many schools were teaching very little phonics, the National Literacy Strategy has transformed literacy teaching in primary schools. Its approach is soundly based on international research and best practice. The teaching of phonics has contributed to primary schools' achievement in maintaining world class standards, with tens of thousands more seven and 11-year-olds now achieving the expected level in reading for their age. Guidance to teachers on the use of phonics is included in the strategy's framework for teaching and a supplement to the "Progression in Phonics" training material will be available for schools in the summer term.

Secondary information