(2) what research his Department has conducted into the effects of teaching reading through the use of (a) synthetic and (b) systematic phonics.
The Department’s policy on phonics is to implement the recommendations of Sir Jim Rose’s Independent Review of the Teaching of Early Reading which advocates that high quality, systematic phonic work should be the prime approach in teaching children to read.
The Review took account of extensive evidence from a range of sources including oral and written evidence from individuals and associations; and visits to settings, schools and training events. A copy of the Review which outlines this evidence is available in the House Libraries.
Sir Jim has provided an update on how well his recommendations are being implemented. A copy of his letter has been placed in the House Libraries. More detail will be available in the autumn when Sir Jim’s interim report on the Primary Curriculum is published.