Research

The National Literacy Trust’s support for communities and local areas is based on the following key research findings:

Families and the home are critical

Parental involvement in literacy activities positively affects their children’s academic performance and is a more powerful force for academic success than other family background variables, such as social class, family size and level of parental education. It is the families’ support of learning within the home environment that makes the maximum difference to children and young people’s achievement.

Early intervention is vital

The earlier parents are involved in their child’s language and literacy development, the more profound the results and the longer-lasting the effects. Early intervention is crucial. Learning begins in families long before children start school.

Low literacy levels are associated with disadvantage

We can make the biggest improvements in literacy if we target support to disadvantaged communities. To read more about the links between low literacy and disadvantage go to the National Literacy Trust’s research Literacy Changes Lives

The National Literacy Trust believes that a strategic approach, including multi-agency partnerships and joined up delivery of services can have a significant impact on literacy outcomes.

Read more about the research underpinning a focus on families