Raising standards in reading - Achieving children's targets

In December 2004, Ofsted published a report on reading which sought to identify reasons for the wide range in attainment in reading among primary-age pupils, to disseminate schools' effective practice in reducing underachievement and developing pupils' positive attitudes to reading and to describe key features of the successful teaching of reading.

Whilst recognising effective practice in schools with high standards in reading, the report also identified concerns about the leadership of reading as well as aspects of teaching reading and the reading curriculum itself.

This leaflet highlights the support available from the National Strategies to help schools in their continued drive to raise attainment and increase motivation and engagement in reading for all children across the primary phase. All those who are part of programmes supported by the Primary National Strategy have a key role to play.

This leaflet also identifies some key priorities for headteachers and schools as they focus on raising standards in reading at both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Primary National Strategy support The Primary Strategy supports the work of literacy consultants and provides targeted support for schools and children through a range of literacy training and guidance. It also has three substantial programmes, all designed to support schools in raising standards in English and mathematics.