The recent DfE white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, sets out the government’s long term vision for education. While English Hubs are not mentioned explicitly throughout, many of the priorities described feel very familiar. In many ways, the direction of travel set out in the white paper reflects the work that English Hubs have been doing with schools for a number of years. For schools working to improve early reading, there is a clear message running through the document, strong foundations in literacy matter, and early success in reading opens the door to success across the curriculum.

One of the clearest messages in the white paper is the continued importance of literacy. The document recognises the positive impact that systematic phonics teaching has had and makes it clear that improving literacy remains a national priority. For schools, this is reassuring. Over the past decade, schools have invested significant time and energy into improving early reading, and this focus is set to continue. The white paper reinforces what many teachers already know, when children learn to read well, everything else becomes easier. This sits right at the heart of English Hub work. Supporting schools to develop strong early reading practice is not about following a short term initiative, but about building lasting foundations for children’s learning.

Another strong theme running through the white paper is early support. There is a clear emphasis on identifying children who need help as soon as possible and putting the right support in place before gaps widen. This is something we see in schools all the time. When children struggle with reading early on, it becomes harder for them to access learning across the curriculum. But when schools put strong teaching and effective support in place early, the difference can be transformational. Reception and Key Stage 1 really matter. The teaching that happens in these years has a lasting impact, and investing time and expertise here pays off in the long term. This is why early reading continues to be such an important focus for schools and for English Hubs.

The white paper also highlights the importance of a school-led system, where expertise is shared and schools work together to improve outcomes for pupils. This collaborative approach is at the centre of the English Hub model. Hub schools continue to offer opportunities to visit and link with school leaders. Often the most valuable professional development comes from seeing what works in real classrooms, with real children. We know that schools are busy places, and meaningful improvement takes time. Working alongside other schools can make that process feel more manageable and more sustainable.

The white paper talks about the importance of evidence informed teaching, and this is another area where English Hubs have an important role to play. Schools want to know that the time and effort they invest in improving practice will have a real impact. Evidence informed approaches give schools the confidence that the changes they are making are likely to benefit pupils. In early reading, we have a strong evidence base to draw on. When teaching is consistent, structured and carefully planned, children are more likely to succeed. Supporting schools to embed this practice is a key part of the work English Hubs do.

Inclusion is another important theme within the white paper, with a strong focus on ensuring that all pupils are able to succeed. Early reading is a crucial part of this. Difficulties with reading are often one of the first signs that a child may need additional support. When teaching is clear and consistent, and support is put in place early, more children are able to keep up with their peers. High quality teaching benefits all pupils, and nowhere is that more evident than in early reading. When classrooms are set up for success, more children experience that success. Next year we will offer 2 cohort of our Reading Ambition For All course which supports professional learning in this area. It’s highly recommended by previous cohorts so do sign up by emailing us if you would like to get involved.

The white paper sets out a long term vision for education, but many of the priorities it describes will feel familiar to schools. The continued focus on literacy, early intervention, collaboration and evidence informed practice reflects the direction many schools have already been working towards. For English Hubs, this feels like an important moment of alignment. The work that schools and hubs have been doing to strengthen early reading remains as important as ever. And at the centre of it all is something very simple, helping children learn to read well. Because when children become confident readers, opportunities open up, not just in school, but far beyond it.