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According to a think tank, low levels of literacy among young children could result in a loss of £830m for the economy. Recent data highlights the disparity between children in disadvantaged areas and their peers in terms of educational achievement.
In the year 2022/23, data revealed that approximately 187,000 five-year-olds in England, which is 30% of the total, are not meeting their expected reading levels. This is an increase from 27% in 2018/19.
Experts have noted a rise in the amount of families who are struggling to obtain appropriate early childhood assistance due to the pandemic and the economic struggle. The National Literacy Trust added that lockdowns have also hindered families from accessing essential education and care during critical periods of their children’s growth.
Approximately 125,000 children who are five years old, which makes up 20% of their group, are experiencing delays in their communication and language abilities. This is an increase from 18% in the previous year (2018/19).
The research revealed that inadequate reading and writing abilities will result in a £830m loss for the economy throughout the lifespan of each year group of five-year-olds, which amounts to £7,800 per child.
Numerous families have faced challenges in obtaining appropriate support for early childhood development due to the pandemic and the rising cost of living.
According to a study by Pro Bono Economics, each child could potentially lose £5,300 in earnings over their lifetime. Additionally, the charity estimates that the government will have to provide an average of £2,500 in extra support for each child.
Children living in economically disadvantaged regions of the country are disproportionately impacted, as 43,000 five-year-olds in these areas do not meet the expected reading standards.
Researchers discovered that in Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, over 25% of five-year-olds have inadequate levels of literacy.
In the year 2022-2023, the North West, North East, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber were among the regions with the highest rates of children struggling to meet the literacy standards.
The CEO of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas, urged the government and local companies to back their efforts to reach out to children in areas most affected by the financial difficulties caused by high living costs.
He stated that the impact of poverty on a child’s early communication, language, and literacy skills is significant and can have lasting effects on their learning, confidence, well-being, and future success.
Queen Camilla meets members of the Lego Club, which is designed to encourage children to read, during a visit to the Bream community library in Gloucestershire
CEO of Pro Bono Economics, Matt Whittaker, expressed concern over the large number of young children starting school with significant deficits in reading and communication abilities. This issue should be a cause for concern across the board.
According to Rachel Hopcroft, who leads corporate communication at KPMG UK and sponsored the study, a concerning number of children are not meeting the expected level by the age of five, without having had a fair opportunity to succeed in life.
She stated that the study revealed that this not only affects our economy, but also limits the ability to pursue career opportunities and earn higher incomes later in life, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
I have reached out to the Department for Education for a response.
Source: independent.co.uk
