Written question WQ87068

I am committed to ensuring that every learner has the reading skills they need to reach their potential. It is a matter of social justice. Reading is not just the ability to decode written words. Fluent readers draw on a range of strategies to read with speed, accuracy, expression and understanding. My officials are developing a practical toolkit which will provide access to a range of information and resources to further support schools develop their own whole school approach to achieving high standards of reading for all learners.

The Curriculum for Wales places reading and literacy skills at its heart. Legislation sets out that all schools must plan their curriculum to ensure that learners make progress in literacy across all areas of the curriculum.

Individual schools and teachers will use a range of approaches and assessment methods to support their learners to progress in their reading and to develop fluency. This includes information from the statutory online personalised assessments which are available for use throughout the school year to provide direct feedback on skills and progress at an individual and class level, which in turn helps inform next steps in teaching, learning and progression planning.