TEY 13.2

TRACY JACKSON OBE IS HEAD OF EARLY YEARS AT THE NATIONAL LITERACY TRUST E arlier this year, the National Literacy Trust launched a bold new strategy that outlines the three changes (or “breakthroughs”) we believe will have the biggest impact on creating a more equal society driven by literacy. Crucially, the first breakthrough is rooted in the early years. Our aim: for every child to start Reception with language and communication skills, ready to grow and learn at school. Why? LITERACY BOOSTS LIFE CHANCES A child’s earliest years are crucial to their development and life chances. From birth to age five, the brain develops more than at any other time in life (bit.ly/3AeVMPZ ) and language development at just age two strongly predicts readiness for school and future educational outcomes (bit.ly/4dgUUc7) . Early years speech, language and communication is the foundation of all literacy. However, over a fifth (21%) of five-year-olds started primary school last year without the expected skills in early communication and language, and almost a third (31%) without the expected level of literacy skills they need to thrive (bit.ly/3LVIZog) . Without this firm foundation, not only will their learning, confidence and wellbeing suffer in their early school days, but they are also much more likely to struggle academically (bit.ly/4deNciS) , be unemployed by their 30s (bit. ly/3LQ9Emi), and face poorer physical and mental health outcomes as adults (bit.ly/3LRVktx ). This early literacy gap is also estimated to cost England’s economy £830 million every year in lost earnings and increased costs to the government from higher spending Early Words Matter on education and welfare, as well as lower tax revenue (bit.ly/3SDWvjM ). The issue is being exacerbated by the lasting impact of the pandemic, the cost-of-living crisis and child poverty levels rising at the fastest rate in a decade. Poverty and literacy are interconnected; we know that child poverty leads to low literacy, and, as a result, the experience of poverty in childhood can have lifelong impact. Indeed, early years speech and language is the place where literacy inequality first emerges. In 2023, only half (53%) of children eligible for free school meals started primary school information, resources and support, and on quality and equity in early education and care provision. This will benefit all children, but particularly those living in disadvantaged communities. This change cannot be achieved in isolation – it will require collaboration at both a national and local level between public, private and third- sector organisations. The characteristics of the communities in which children live, and the systems that they encounter, shape language and communication development outcomes more than the effects of social class and overall deprivation levels of the area. Therefore, to better support the early language and literacy skills of children aged 0–5, particularly in disadvantaged communities, we will use a place- based approach that will deliver change through direct service delivery, improving the capacity of early years professionals and creating changes in the systems and policies designed to serve families most in need. Over the next five years, we will: Directly support children’s literacy skills by working with 60,000 families, delivering evidence-based interventions to empower parents with the skills and confidence to support their children’s language development from birth. Help professionals increase the quality of early literacy provision by providing training and support to practitioners working in 300 early years settings in disadvantaged communities. Work alongside communities to tackle literacy inequality by having Literacy gives you the tools to get the most out of life Better speech, language and communication support is essential to counter the impact of poverty on children’s life chances, says Tracy Jackson OBE … with good levels of early language and literacy, compared with three-quarters (73%) of their peers who weren’t eligible (bit.ly/3LVIZog) . This deficit is one most children will never recover from and one that will hold them back throughout their lives. By providing better early language support, we can mitigate the impact of poverty on literacy and help to ensure that the next generation has the skills they need to lead happy, productive lives. OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHANGE To move the needle, there needs to be a far greater emphasis and strategic focus on the home learning environment, including clear channels through which families can find 38 Teachearlyyears.com