Nape: There is a correlation between reading ability and background

January 25 2011

A child's ability to read can sometimes be linked to their social background, according to the National Association for Primary Education (Nape).

A report published earlier this month by Ofsted concluded that poor speech and language skills often provide a barrier to reading.

Furthermore, it was noted that youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to struggle with reading than their peers.

Nape secretary John Coe commented: "There is no doubt at all that children's attainment in their early years reflects very closely the background which they bring with them into the learning process, through their parents and their families. In many ways, the children are deeply affected. There is a high correlation between test results and family background."

He noted that although learning to read is a lifelong process, pupils should ideally be fluent readers by the age of 14 so they have a better chance of doing well at secondary school.

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