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Reading: Teaching Methods

Answer

The department is committed to raising literacy standards by following the evidence.

The evidence for systematic phonics is very secure. For example, the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) have carried out a comprehensive review of robust studies on the impact of phonics and they found that systematic phonics is the most effective approach for teaching pupils to decode, including older pupils struggling with decoding, when embedded in a rich literacy environment.

The national curriculum is explicit that learning to decode words is just one element of becoming a fluent reader. This is based on the Simple View of Reading (explained in more detail in the July 2021 Reading Framework), which describes reading as the product of both decoding and language comprehension. This can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-reading-framework-teaching-the-foundations-of-literacy.

The Schools White Paper builds on the department’s record of supporting the improvement of literacy standards over the past decade, including the introduction of the Phonics Screening Check; the English Hubs Programme; the publication of the reading framework; and the validation of phonics programmes. The English Hubs are currently delivering intensive support to over 1,000 partner schools and will continue to support schools to drive up literacy standards, including driving improvements in the quality of reading education for those not meeting expected standards in literacy. The full White Paper can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/opportunity-for-all-strong-schools-with-great-teachers-for-your-child.

The department will also make it easier for schools to access the best evidence of 'what works' by re-endowing the EEF with at least £100 million, developing and scaling literacy and numeracy interventions with over £55 million via our Accelerator Fund, and introducing a menu of recommended evidence-based approaches linked to the Pupil Premium.

In addition, from Autumn 2022, the National Professional Qualification for Leading Literacy will be available. This qualification has been designed to develop teachers’ expertise in leading the development of pupils’ language, reading, and writing in all key stages and is aimed at teachers and leaders who have, or are aspiring to have, responsibilities for leading literacy across a school, year group, key stage, or phase. The content framework which underpins this qualification was published in October 2021 and can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-professional-qualifications-npqs-reforms/national-professional-qualifications-npqs-reforms. Further details around eligibility and funding for this qualification will be announced in due course.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

151259

Session

2021-22

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Reading Teaching methods

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk