Written question asked by Baroness Grey-Thompson (Crossbench) on Monday, 23 June 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 July 2025. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 24 July 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Pre-school education: Literacy

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to tackle the impact of low levels of literacy on the economy through interventions in early years education.

Answer

The department recognises a strong foundation in early language, reading and writing is crucial for children to achieve and thrive.

We are:

Funding the Nuffield Early Language Intervention programme (NELI), an evidence-based programme targeting reception-aged children needing support with their speech and language development.
Funding the Early Years Evidence Store which includes a theme on Communication and Language.
Working with NHS England to deliver the Early Language Support for Every Child pathfinders.
Working with partners to deliver the Early Language Local Innovation and Excellence programme which includes implementation of Speech and Language Communication pathway guidance and an early language identification measure.
Funding the English Hubs Programme to improve the teaching of reading.
Enabling schools to access the department’s list of high-quality phonics programmes.
Investing £10.7 million in 2025/26 to deliver home learning environment services through Family Hubs helping parents create settings that support early communication and literacy. The Little Moments Together campaign provides free resources that encourage parents to chat, play and read with their children.

Secondary information