One of the most important skills that every child must master is the ability to read and write. Literacy is a key-building block to society and we are doing children a disservice if we do not set high aspirations for every child to leave school fully equipped with the ability to read. This is why eliminating illiteracy is central to this Government's plan for education.
Particular emphasis has been placed on getting the basics right at primary school, through phonics, which is the most effective way of teaching young children to read. An investment of £23.7 million in high-quality phonics teaching resources will help give every child a solid base to build upon as they progress through school.
We must also ensure that high standards are maintained throughout a child’s education, which is why the new national curriculum places greater focus on grammar, spelling and punctuation with a new test for 11 year olds. Secondary schools will also receive extra funding for those pupils who are behind at age 11, to help make sure they can keep up with classmates.
As a local MP, I have long been a supporter and user of our local libraries, as well as initiatives to encourage children to read. At the weekend I spent the morning at Central Library to encourage youngsters to sign up to the Summer Reading Challenge - an initiative I have supported for a number of years.
The campaign run by The Reading Agency, is aimed at encouraging as many primary school children as possible to take part in the challenge which is the UK's largest reading for pleasure initiative, and is designed to ensure that pupils are still reading books outside of school and throughout the summer holidays.
Every year there is a new theme and this year the Challenge has teamed up with Guinness World Records to create Record Breakers and set a record for the number of children signed up. Last year 3578 children in Swindon took part and I was certainly encouraged by the number of parents, grandparents and carers who brought children along on Saturday to sign up.
Research has shown that reading for pleasure is vital for children’s life chances, and that children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers. That’s why I am passionate about supporting local libraries and promoting the Summer Reading Challenge. It is free, inclusive and fun, and crucially, they provide the vital ingredient in building children’s literacy skills.
By aiming to eliminate illiteracy, we are ensuring that every child is given the best start in life regardless of background. That’s why it’s important to invest in education, whilst also encouraging children to use their local libraries.
