MPs call for literacy aid for struggling pupils

Children should be tested on their speaking and listening skills at the age of six to help improve classroom behaviour, MPs report today.

The Coalition Government is already planning to bring in a compulsory test for all six-year-olds to assess their reading skills so that those who are struggling to keep up in class can be given extra help.

However, MPs on the Commons Education Select Committee believe this on its own will not be enough to show what help they need.

A million pupils in state schools are thought to need extra help in communication. The education charity I CAN said in evidence to the committee that as many as 70 per cent of pupils in schools in disadvantaged areas can have a problem with communication.

The MPs argue that if children do not get the help they need with communication problems they will end up being disruptive in class.