NEU comment on National Literacy Trust research showing sharp decline in children reading for pleasure

Commenting on the National Literacy Trust (NLT) research showing just 1 in 3 children read for pleasure in their free time,Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union said:  

“This research by the NTL should be ringing the alarm bells at the Department for Education. Every child should leave school with a love of reading.

‘Reading for pleasure is an essential part of children's literacy, wellbeing, and all-round development. Our members will recognise the reasons raised in this research for the decline in the enjoyment of reading, including an overpacked curriculum, high academic pressures and an uncertain future.   

‘It is vital that the ongoing curriculum and assessment review makes meaningful change to the content mandated for each subject. There is simply too much to teach. Children are racing through subjects without time to consolidate or enjoy learning – including reading for pleasure.

‘The assessment system also puts incredible pressure on schools to narrow their curriculums, squeezing out time for reading, as well as a variety of other subjects. The government must put an end to statutory testing in primaries so that educators can deliver an enriching curriculum and instil a love of reading in our schools”.