The press release issued by the Department for Education on 11 November 2010.
Commenting on statistics showing Key Stage 1 attainment by pupil characteristics, Schools Minister Nick Gibb today stressed the need for a greater focus and emphasis on the teaching of reading and writing in primary schools.
The results are available via the Department’s Research and statistics gateway.
Nick Gibb said:
Though there is a slight increase in the proportion of seven-year-olds reaching the expected level in reading, it is a real concern that almost a third of all Key Stage 1 children receiving free school meals are failing to achieve the standard in reading and writing. Additionally, over a third of boys receiving free school meals fail to make the grade in reading and writing.
Getting the fundamentals right is crucial to a child’s success in secondary education and throughout their adult life, and the Government is committed to getting all children reading and writing to a high standard.
That is why we are promoting the use of systematic synthetic phonics in primary schools and why we are introducing a short reading test for six-year-olds, so we can identify those who need extra help. We will also support the most disadvantaged children by introducing a pupil premium which will provide extra funding for those schools with the most challenging intakes.