28th March 2011 9:00
By Blue Tutors
Two MPs in Milton Keynes have praised a reading initiative in one of the local Schools. Wood End School in Stantonbury has adopted a system called ‘Reading Recovery’, which gives students one-to-one reading tuition if they’re struggling to read. The students receive 20 minutes of tuition every week, and the course usually lasts for 20 weeks.
Reading Recovery was developed in New Zealand over 30 years ago, and the MPs from Milton Keynes North and South, Mark Lancaster and Iain Stewart said they are aware of how effective the private tuition can be for a struggling student. A recent report said that one in five boys leave primary school unable to read, and the programme ensures that students are fast-tracked into competency with words and language.
After the lesson Mr. Lancaster said "I was highly impressed by Saizar (the student), Mrs Stickland (the tutor) and Reading Recovery itself. The ability to read is the most fundamental, important thing a child can learn at school, underpinning all their future learning. This system gives an excellent boost to those who need it."
Mr. Stewart added: "It was a delight seeing Saizar being helped with the Reading Recovery technique. I know from experience the importance that reading and writing play in one's life. I am pleased that pupils have the opportunity of an early intervention to get the foundation right."