Nursery World - Ofsted finds positive response to phonics

Phonics teaching methods in schools have developed well in response to the Rose Review, according to an Ofsted survey.

A briefing paper on the results of a short survey of schools' responses to the Rose Review was published by Ofsted last week. Inspectors visited 20 schools, gathered 43 e-mail questionnaires, and text-searched 2005/07 section 5 inspection reports. They found that 19 out of the 20 schools visited had responded positively to the Rose Review.

In a letter to children's secretary Ed Balls earlier this year, Sir Jim Rose said that at least three-quarters of primary schools were using phonics to teach children how to read (News, 19 March).

A concept of 'fidelity to the programme' had been recognised by schools, according to Ofsted. Schools had found success in remaining loyal to their chosen phonics programme and its order. The briefing also highlighted children's enjoyment of phonics lessons, and said, 'Teachers have been surprised by the joy shown by children.'

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