Primary schools should be able to teach 'virtually every child to read', claims Ofsted

Reading by Six highlights the best practice of 12 outstanding schools in England and claims all schools can follow suit by sticking to a consistent and rigorous phonics-based approach.

Chief inspector Christine Gilbert said that although the achievements of the highlighted schools were to be lauded, all schools could do likewise. "These 12 schools are not a rarefied elite, the challenge is for all schools to match their achievements. If schools set their minds and practice to it, they can teach virtually every child to read."

However, the report highlighted the challenge of increasing numbers of children who arrive at school unprepared for learning and with poor listening and speaking skills. Schools blamed the home environments of many children characterised by constant television, noisy siblings and raised voices, which was not conducive to developing language skills.

Nationally, one in five children leaving primary school does not reach the standard expected for reading and writing. Research shows that the period between the ages of three and seven is the most critical to reaching the standards.

Schools highlighted in the report used a system that emphasised structure, consistency, praise and reinforcement. Focus was also put on such resources as story time, imaginative play, stretching children’s reading ability and set reading times.