Nursery World - Early years programmes 'failing to improve literacy and numeracy'

Early years initiatives, such as Sure Start and the free entitlement for three-and four-year-olds, have not improved children's literacy and numeracy by the time they start school, according to new research.

The study by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) at Durham University surveyed the PIPS (Performance Indicators in Primary Schools) scores of 117,000 four and five-year-olds at 472 maintained primary schools throughout England.

Basic levels of development in vocabulary, early reading and maths remained largely unchanged between 2001 and 2008.

PIPS are standardised computerised assessments carried out by a teacher with all children in the first few weeks of starting Reception and measure children’s numeracy, literacy and problem-solving skills. They include asking children whether they can count to seven, differentiate between different sounds, and test children’s vocabulary skills by showing them an image and asking them to identify a variety of objects, from carrots to a microscope.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included