Help for reluctant readers

Every Child A Reader is a scheme that gives focused support, in the form of highly-skilled Reading Recovery teachers, to children who are significantly behind expected reading levels. Initially targeting inner-city London schools, a report (The long-term costs of literacy difficulties, KMPG) on the scheme has shown that for every £1 spent on the Every Child A Reader Scheme, £16 is saved on special needs support, the cost of truancy and exclusions, and costs associated with crime, unemployment and depression.

This is one reason why the Government has decided to roll out the scheme across the country. Centres are being developed to train classroom teachers to become Reading Recovery Teachers. This is a one session a fortnight, year long course. 250 teachers are being trained this year. For more information visit www.everychildareader.org and www.readingrecovery.org.uk.