'Unacceptable' gap in children's literacy

Tuesday, 14 December 2004 12:00 AM

A report from the schools watchdog has found a huge gap between the best and worst standards of reading among primary school children.

Ofsted's research calls for "urgent action" to halt the increasing gulf between those schools that successfully tackle weaknesses in reading and those that do not.

It highlights a widening gap between those primary schools which successfully close the gap between pupils and those which don't. Ofsted claims this gap is present even among schools with a similar socio-economic profile.

Despite the claim by the Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell that there is "some fantastic practice", he admitted this is being marred by the number of schools that fail to deal adequately with children's reading difficulties.

He added that, even among children who can read to a high standard, few read during their spare time or for their own enjoyment.

Mr Bell continued: "Although standards in reading are rising, we have yet to ensure that all our pupils are competent and confident readers by the time they leave primary school."

"Today's findings are unacceptable. Although standards in reading are rising, we have yet to ensure that all our pupils are competent and confident readers by the time they leave primary school. A stubborn core of pupils at the bottom end of the scale are being let down by the system."

Inspectors found that in ineffective schools teachers' inconsistent knowledge of the broad use of reading strategies is a major barrier to success. The report calls for an even more robust intervention policy for schools where standards continue to remain low.

The report notes the strong link between headteachers who play an active role in teaching reading, and who put reading at the heart of the school's work, and success in raising attainment.

Inspectors found that the most effective schools were honest about their problems. Ineffective schools tended to blame others for their problems, including parents and the intake of children in their catchment area.

Shadow Education Secretary Tim Collins criticised the growing gap in reading standards, saying: "For a government that promised so much for education in general and literacy in particular, this report makes for dismal reading."

He claimed a Conservative government would make it a "priority" to ensure children do not leave school until they have mastered the basics.

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