HC Deb 21 October 1969 vol 788 cc217-8W
Mr. Gordon Walker

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, in the light of the publication of the Schools Council Report upon the use of the initial teaching alphabet in the teaching of reading and writing in infant and junior schools, he will make a statement.

Mr. Tilney

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether, without waiting for extended researches and a report upon them by the Schools Council, he will make a statement about the use of the initial teaching alphabet for the purpose of teaching reading and writing to children and adults who have had or may be expected to have, difficulty in learning to read and write.

Mr. Edward Short

The Schools Council report is an exhaustive study of the use of the initial teaching alphabet in primary schools and is a valuable addition to our knowledge of the processes by which children learn to read. I hope all concerned with the teaching of reading will read either the report or an abridged version which is now being prepared. The report concludes that for most children the initial teaching alphabet yields early advantages but also that its use is not the only possible new approach to the teaching of reading. I cannot comment on the use of the initial teaching alphabet with adults; this has not been the subject of systematic study.