Statement: The teaching of reading in Wales

Estyn recognises the need to prioritise improving the reading skills of learners in Wales.  Estyn also recognises that the best teaching and learning in reading can involve a range of methodologies and practices, with phonics as a key building block. Whilst we would expect to see the involvement of phonics-based practice in schools, Estyn does not endorse any one single approach to teaching reading but uses a range of evidence to evaluate each approach with a focus on its impact for the progress of learners.

In our experience, the most effective schools in Wales take a balanced approach to teaching reading. These schools use a range of strategies so that nearly all learners read with fluency and understanding. These schools have a whole-school approach to developing learners’ reading skills and have an established reading culture. When children start school, the best teachers place an emphasis on developing pre-reading skills and then build on this by teaching phonics explicitly and progressively. Teachers encourage learners to use a range of strategies as part of this balanced approach. As learners move through the school, teachers support them to acquire advanced reading skills and vocabulary progression through continuing to develop their understanding as the foundation for all learning.