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Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by John Pugh (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 4 March 2013 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Phonics

Question

I thank the Minister for that response, but many experienced, skilled and successful teachers of reading are a bit concerned about an over-reliance on phonics. What can she do to persuade them that the Government are not being a little doctrinaire in this area?

Answer

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. A large body of research evidence shows that phonics is the most effective way of teaching literacy to all children. Last year’s phonics check identified 235,000 children who will now receive extra help, which is very important because PIRLS—the progress in international reading literacy study—showed that this country has one of the largest gaps between the strongest and weakest

performers in reading. It is really important that we identify children who are struggling with reading early, so that they can receive help as soon as possible.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
559 c656 
Session
2012-13
Oral question type
1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Reading Teaching methods
Link
View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk