Nursery World - Sure Start 'fails to boost literacy or numeracy'

Early years initiatives such as Sure Start and the free entitlement for threeand 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 at DurhamUniversity surveyed the PIPS (Performance Indicators in Primary Schools)scores of 117,000 fourand five-year-olds at 472 maintained primaryschools throughout England between 2001 and 2008.

PIPS are standardised computerised assessments carried out by a teacherwith all children in the first few weeks of starting reception tomeasure numeracy, literacy and problem-solving skills. Children are notassessed on their personal, social and emotional development, motorskills or creative development.

Dr Christine Merrell, CEM's primary director, said, 'We would haveexpected to see some change by 2008, with nursery education now sowidespread. It's a bit disappointing that we haven't seen aneducationally significant rise.'

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