The ability to read and write is something that many of us take for granted. It is so integral to our everyday life, we don’t even notice how many times a day we use it. Menus, text messages, tube maps, post-it notes - an entire world of communication and opportunity dependent on literacy. It is shocking therefore, to discover that presently “nine million adults in the UK are functionally illiterate, and one in four British five-year-olds struggles with basic vocabulary.” 
 
There is one demographic in particular that is suffering and that is white working-class boys, with three-quarters failing to “achieve the government’s benchmark [of basic vocabulary] at the age of 16.” This problem, although not getting worse, remains a serious one - and one that costs the UK £37bn a year, according to the World Literacy Foundation. 
 
The consequences of illiteracy are far reaching, with adults less likely to find work, let alone well-paying jobs. It has also been linked to obesity, depression and even a shorter life expectancy. The example used by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) is that “a boy born in Stockton-on-Tees (which has some of the most serious literacy challenges in the country) has a life expectancy 26.1 years shorter than a boy born in north Oxford.” A shocking disparity.
 
Perhaps worst of all is the cycle of illiteracy that occurs when functionally illiterate adults are unable to help their children with schoolwork or read to them at home. The next generation is then put at risk - and due to the stigma that surrounds illiteracy, often neither the children or the adults will ask for help or admit to the problem. It becomes akin to a secret disability that can last a lifetime.
 
So, what is the solution? Early intervention is cited by some to be the key. There are charities such as Learn2Love2Read who believe that one-on-one contact with children, both toddlers and those in primary school, to help get them reading at home can bridge the gap. However, literacy experts say that even this may be too late and that intervention from birth is really what’s needed. Even before they have children potential parents should be given help to ensure that their child turns up to school ready. 
 
Local authorities are attempting to intervene in communities where illiteracy is a real issue. According to The Guardian, “Tameside council in Greater Manchester – where 34% of children start school with below-average language and reading skills – pledged to give every newborn baby a book, plus reading tips for parents, over the next 12 months.” However, as much as breaking the cycle is important.
 
What can be done for adults who find themselves struggling with literacy?
 
Well, there are resources to improve English skills, provided by the government. Charities like, the National Literacy Trust have sections dedicated to adult literacy. Finally, if you’re a parent, ask your child’s teacher for support - there may be something they can do and at the very least they can offer advice and keep a special eye on your child. As for teachers, here is a list of tips to help encourage and develop literacy in the classroom. The perceived shame around illiteracy can often be the main thing that prohibits fixing it, so most importantly, discuss it and normalise it so those who are faced with this challenge can find the help they need.
 
If you’d like to have a chat about teaching opportunities, then get in touch with one of our experienced education consultants. Call 0208 5066740 or email info@urbanlearning.co.uk.