The long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to significantly affect children’s academic development, particularly among those living in areas with high child poverty rates. Tiffnie Harris, primary specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), has emphasized the issue, stating, “Many young children experienced developmental delays because of the pandemic, and this has been compounded by high rates of child poverty.”
Phonics Check Performance in Oxfordshire
Recent figures from the Department for Education shed light on this issue. In the 2023-24 academic year, only 63% of children in Oxfordshire eligible for free school meals achieved the required standard in the national phonics screening check. While this represents a slight improvement from the 58% recorded the previous year, it’s still below pre-pandemic levels, when 64% met the standard in the 2018-19 academic year.
Understanding the National Phonics Screening Check
The phonics screening check is designed for pupils nearing the end of Year 1, typically around six years old. If children fail to meet the required standard, they are given the opportunity to retake the test the following year. Nationally, 68% of eligible pupils passed the phonics check last year, improving slightly from 66% in the prior year. However, this too remains below pre-pandemic success rates, where 70% of students met the standard in 2018-19.
Highlighting Education System Inequalities
In Oxfordshire, 79% of all pupils attained the required standard in 2023, underscoring performance gaps between students eligible for free school meals and their peers. This trend is mirrored across England, where only 68% of children from disadvantaged backgrounds passed the phonics test, compared to 84% of their broader peer group. Schools Minister Catherine McKinnell has drawn attention to these discrepancies, emphasizing persistent inequalities throughout the education system.
NAHT’s Advocacy
The National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) has argued in favor of making the phonics screening check optional. Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the NAHT, points out that “This test tells teachers little that they won’t already know through the assessments they make of pupils’ progress every day.”
Push for Better Resources
ASCL has stressed the need for improved funding, solutions to staff shortages, and better access to specialist support. While schools have made significant efforts to address developmental delays, phonics check results reveal how much remains to be done to return to pre-pandemic performance levels.
The Role of Reading
Catherine McKinnell underscores the role of reading in a child’s educational journey, calling it “the key to unlocking the rest of the curriculum.” Bridging inequalities and improving support systems are essential to ensure all children have the tools they need to thrive.
Get Involved in Education and Local Support
Addressing child development challenges requires community involvement. If you’re passionate about making a difference locally, consider exploring opportunities through local schools and colleges or engaging with educational clubs and societies within the Wantage area. Your contribution could play a vital role in shaping the future of our community.
