Literacy news
Summary report of survey into young children's skills on entry to education
3 Mar 2003
Basic Skills Agency, March 2003
As part of the National Basic Skills Strategy for Wales, the Basic Skills Agency commissioned a survey on Welsh headteachers' perceptions of the communication and linguistic skills of children on entry to education, and any change over the past five years. They were asked to indicate what proportion of new entrants could perform a range of activities - for example, talking voluntarily to others, writing their own name and talking about story or picture books - in their home language (either English or Welsh).
According to headteachers in English-medium schools, the most widely held skills on entry included talking voluntarily to others, engaging in a variety of play situations, making marks in play and speaking audibly and being understood. These skills were reported as being held by two-thirds of the children. Headteachers reported that fewer than half the children chose to look at books and stories, or could recite rhymes, sing songs or list numbers in order.
In schools where more than half of the children spoke Welsh as a first language, children appeared to start school with greater interest in early reading, writing and counting activities. More children chose to look at books and more could recognise their own name. Their listening skills were also better. However, the children's speaking skills did not appear to be as well developed as their peers in English-medium schools.
Most of the headteachers felt that young children's talking and listening skills had declined over the past five years - particularly the ability to speak clearly and be understood. When given a list of things parents could do with their children to develop early literacy skills, there were three which over 90% of the headteachers classed as "absolutely essential": talking to their babies and young children, listening and responding to them, and playing with them.
Alan Wells, director of the Basic Skills Agency, said a lack of family conversation was to blame for a decline in language skills. He called for parents to be trained in how to develop their children's skills and for more support in primary schools to help pupils catch up.
The report is available free (in English and Welsh) from Basic Skills Agency publications on 0870 600 2400.
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