Liberal Democrats launch 4Rs commission on primary education

9.48.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th Jun 2006

The Liberal Democrats today announced the launch of a '4Rs commission' (www.4Rs.org.uk) to encourage innovative thinking on primary education policies. The commission, which will be independent of the parliamentary party will be chaired by Dr Bethan Marshall, senior lecturer in education at King's College London and includes former children's TV presenter Floella Benjamin.

The neglect of the '4th R' - articulation, will be among the commission's priority topics. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary, Sarah Teather MP said "Mountains of tests and targets for reading, writing and arithmetic have led to neglect of vital speaking and listening skills among our youngest children.

"Language skills are essential if we want pupils to express themselves with confidence and improve their learning and behaviour. But children's speaking and listening skills seem to be deteriorating year on year.

"The debate on education has become far too narrow with politicians spending weeks arguing which type of phonics schools should be compulsory, whilst losing sight of the bigger picture. A 5-year old who enters school with a limited vocabulary is going to struggle to succeed with the government's literacy strategy. Knowing words and speaking in sentences is the first step to literacy. It's paramount that children have those skills if they are going to read effectively, express their views and grow up to be confident individuals.

"I am very excited to have expert help to bring some fresh thinking to our policy making. The aim of this commission is to be free from the constraints of the political debate to do some really innovative thinking."

Visit the 4Rs webpage at http://www.4Rs.org.uk