A home visiting project for Reception children predicted to experience literacy difficulties

The importance of early success in literacy learning and of engaging parents in this process has long been recognised by those involved in early years education. However, key factors that underpin effective strategies for helping families who might be described as 'difficult to reach' have yet to be identified. The study reported here was designed to support two children judged to be most at risk of struggling with literacy, primarily through the provision of weekly home visits during their first year at school. Anthony Feiler, a lecturer in special educational needs at the Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol and previously a teacher and educational psychologist, describes the work of the teaching assistant who carried out these visits and presents data on the outcomes for the children involved. There is evidence that the additional support was effective. Anthony Feiler uses both test scores and the views of participants, taken from a series of interviews, to draw tentative conclusions from this research and to highlight a need for further development work and enquiry in this crucial area.