BBC – Branwen Jeffreys
“Children with poor language skills at age five are significantly more likely to struggle with maths at age 11, a study for Save the Children suggests. It found 21% of pupils who struggled with language as they began school, failed to meet the expected standards in national tests when they left. The researchers said poor language skills had an effect on all children, regardless of family background…Gareth Jenkins, from Save the Children, says the research demonstrates for the first time the most crucial determinant of success in Sats tests is how well children can communicate when they start school. The poorest children are more likely to start school without simple skills, such as being able to tell a short story, express feelings and communicate easily with a wide range of adults.”(more)