Thank you for such a well and fully structured programme, that even the failing reader can get hold of. I very much appreciated the theoretical background and the hands on approach during our four days and that we can now make a difference to people whose lives have been blighted by illiteracy. I can’t wait to use the system with disadvantaged individuals in south London and also I hope to use it this summer on a trip to an A.I.D.S. orphanage in Uganda. Thank you so much for giving us the tools to enhance other people’s lives.

CR English Secondary teacher, now working with the disadvantaged, homeless and Young Offenders, London SE20

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Reading at an early age the key to success

Michael Gove said: “We are determined to raise literacy standards in our schools, especially of those not achieving the expected level – a light-touch phonics-based check will provide reassurance that children in Year 1 have learned this important skill, will enable us to pinpoint those who are struggling at an early age and will give them the help they need before it is too late.” Read more

Schools can achieve the highest standards if they go back to basics regardless of whether they are from sink estates or privileged areas, Ofsted said.

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The teachers’ resources are excellent. We are all ready to go and see our learners enjoy ‘breaking the code’.

This training explained how current methods of teaching children and non-readers to read are not effective. The training taught a whole new approach to teaching reading and spelling and incorporating this method into future literacy sessions would be really improve students reading and spelling skills.

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“ The best primary schools in England teach virtually every child to read, regardless of the social and economic circumstances of their neighbourhoods, the ethnicity of their pupils, the language spoken at home and most special educational needs or disabilities.

 A sample of 12 of these schools finds that their success is based on a determination that every child will learn to read, together with a very rigorous and sequential approach to developing speaking and listening and teaching reading, writing and spelling through systematic phonics. This approach is applied with a high degree of consistency and sustained.” Read more

National Literacy Trust article:     “Ofsted inspectors say literacy standards ‘fall short’”

“Too many children leave primary school unable to read or write well enough” reports Head of Ofsted Christine Gilbert.

Russel Hoby, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, says:

“Literacy is a fundamental skill and right. The overhelming majority of children reach good standards but we want every child to get there. More than that, we want every child to enjoy reading and writing.” Read more

Nursery World article:   “Ofsted backs phonics teaching plan”

Phonics teaching in the 12 infant and primary schools highlighted in the Ofsted report, Reading by six: How the best schools do it, showed consistency, structure, fast pace, praise and reinforcement, Ofsted said. Read more