9m allocated to extend phonics training

28 January 2009

The Government is to spend 9m on expanding phonics training in local authorities as part of the implementation of recommendations made by Sir Jim Rose in his review into early reading.

The money will be spent on early years settings and primary schools in 51 local authorities. One hundred local authorities are already taking part in the Communication, Language and Literacy Development programme.

Children's secretary Ed Balls also published a letter from Sir Jim Rose giving an update on the progress made in schools and early years settings since the review.

In the letter Sir Jim said, 'More schools are teaching reading well and taking a robust approach to teaching high quality phonic work systematically.'

The letter also said, 'Early years settings and reception classes are paying greater and more effective attention to boosting children's speaking and listening skills through imaginative engagement, for example, in role play, music and dramatised stories.'