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Children’s reading skills have suffered because of the pandemic, according to a report by Wales’ schools watchdog Estyn.

Called Developing pupils’ English reading skills from Ten to 14-years-of-age, the report said pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds were especially affected and that reading skills varied widely between ten and 14-year-olds across primary and secondary education.

Estyn’s report highlights that the best schools teach strategies that help pupils to understand what they’re reading and to develop speaking and listening skills

 But only a minority of secondary schools implement these strategies consistently in English lessons and across the curriculum.

In both primary and secondary, only a minority of leaders monitor and evaluate the impact of these well enough.

The inspectorate recommends that schools provide high-quality professional learning for teachers on the strategies that most effectively help pupils to develop reading skills.  

Owen Evans, Chief Inspector, said: “Improving pupils’ reading skills is a national priority. Although the pandemic had a negative impact, especially on those disadvantaged by poverty, we’re seeing that standards of reading are improving again.

“Schools that have identified specific skills deficits and are focused on filling these gaps are making the best progress.

“Our findings shows that the best teachers weave listening, speaking, reading and writing together skilfully so that each benefits the others.

“We recommend that school leaders, supported by their clusters and improvement partners, provide opportunities for staff to learn about evidence-based teaching strategies to develop pupils’ reading skills across the curriculum.”