More Bits 'n' Bobs

Details of more useful items which have been published in the last week:

• The latest report from Every Child A Reader suggests that the programme to help struggling children has had "spectaular" results; on average, pupils boosted their reading age by two years in just four of five months. For a closer look at the evidence, click here.

• A joint report from the Smith Institute and The Centre for Social Justice thinktanks has called for the state to take on a larger role in helping to bring up the most disadvantaged children in society. The pamphlet, entitled Getting in Early: Primary Schools and Early
  Intervention, argues that such children need to receive support with communication skills, as well as lessons in empathy and self-control.

• A number of students have been asking for statistical information lately; the just-published Education and Training Statistics for the United Kingdom: 2008 gives an incredibly detailed overview of all levels of education in Britain.