The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Education is holding an inquiry into how to overcome barriers to literacy and ensure every child can access the curriculum.

Fabian Hamilton MP, Chairman of the APPG for Education, commented that, “Literacy and numeracy standards have a profound impact on a child’s future well-being and on the contribution that a child will be able to make to society.   The huge improvements in the standard of literacy which were made in the past have stalled.  In addition, the pressures on literacy policy are changing, especially with the opportunities and complexities presented by technology.”

Mr Hamilton continued, “It is essential to find out what we can do to engage children and ensure that they can move from learning to read, to reading to learn”.

The inquiry is being held following the APPG’s meeting in October which explored how to safeguard literacy and enable social mobility.  Having heard from Rona Tutt (President of the National Literacy Association), Tricia Adams (Director of the School Library Association) and Ruth Miskin (phonics and reading adviser), the Group agreed to hold a wider inquiry and formulate its recommendations.

The three speakers examined trends in literacy policy and gave their experiences of the programmes that had had the greatest impact on encouraging higher literacy rates.  A common theme was the need to engage children’s imaginations and use a variety of means – such as technology, adult role models and strong school leadership – to show them the value of their reading skills.

Martin Horwood MP, Vice-Chairman of the Group, emphasised that, “I’m hoping that we can create a toolkit for teachers and policymakers.  My business and voluntary sector experience has given me a great insight into how important high standards of reading and writing are to employers and society.  These days I’m concerned about it as an MP and a parent.”

The APPG is keen to engage with a wide range of organisations and individuals including local authorities, schools and teachers; employers and their representative bodies, parents and carers; literacy associations; educational publishers and suppliers; and other stakeholder organisations.  The Group will report in July 2011.

Notes:

1.    The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry are available here: http://www.educationappg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/APPG_for_Education_Literacy_Inquiry_Terms_of_Reference.doc
2.    The APPG for Education is chaired by Fabian Hamilton MP, with its Secretariat provided by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA).
3.    For further information about the Group or the Inquiry, please contact Ferelith Gaze, APPG for Education Secretariat, by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7828 3364.