What is Literacy?

Being ‘literate’ means you can speak, listen, read and write to a level that allows you to become engaged in the world around you. It’s important for us to develop these skills so that we can:

  • learn about different things;
  • take advantage of opportunities that life may offer through digital technology; and
  • play an active part in our community.

For children in Wales this can mean learning in both English and Welsh.

What is the problem?

In Wales too many children are starting full time education with poor language skills. Overall literacy levels are lower in Wales than in England despite a year on year improvement since 1999.

In a recent international survey looking at literacy, numeracy and science, 15 year olds in Wales lagged behind their counterparts in nations across the world.

The government’s inspectorate of education and training, Estyn’s 2010-11 Annual Report noted that:

“children’s reading and writing skills are not good enough in nearly a third of primary school”

So, we need to tackle the problem.

What are we doing about it?

We will introduce a National Literacy and Numeracy Framework for all learners aged 5 to 14. This means:

  • That all schools will have to make sure their pupils reach the expected level of literacy and numeracy every year.
  • Support for teachers of every subject on how to teach literacy and numeracy across the curriculum.
  • Reading and numeracy tests which will show how well learners are doing and if they need support.

We also support campaigns and initiatives which help children, young people and adults with improving their reading.

WIN a Kindle

To enjoy your time reading with your child we have a KINDLE to give away.

For your chance to win a Kindle fill in this form and you will be entered into a draw, the winner will be selected at random.

*We never give any personal data to third parties.

Competition Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions apply to all Betterreading competitions unless stated otherwise.

  1. Open to residents in Wales aged 18 or over.
  2. Only one entry per person.
  3. No bulk, third party or organized group entries will be accepted. Incomplete, illegible, corrupt entries or those not in accordance with entry instructions will not be accepted.
  4. No responsibility is accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed as a result of any network, computer hardware or software failure of any kind. Proof of entry will not be accepted as proof of receipt.
  5. Winners will be selected in a random draw.
  6. Prizes will be delivered to winners within 28 days of the prize draw. We won't be liable if any prize fails to reach you or you cannot take it for reasons beyond our control, or if any prize is damaged during delivery.
  7. The prize is non-transferable & non-exchangeable, however in the event of unforeseen circumstances the Promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal value.
  8. Winners may be required to participate in publicity arising from the promotion.
  9. By taking part in this promotion all entrants will be deemed to have accepted and be bound by these terms and conditions.
  10. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of entering this promotion or accepting the prize. Nothing shall exclude the liability of the Promoter for death or personal injury as a result of its negligence.
  11. The Promoter's decisions are final in all matters relating to this promotion and no correspondence will be entered into.
  12. These terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales.