Policy Exchange assumes that the costs of Reading Recovery are unreasonable (“Cost of literacy scheme slammed by think tank”, TES, February 6). Failing to learn to read and write is very expensive indeed, for society and for the individual concerned.

The cost of Reading Recovery is a cappuccino a day for five years. It is a family holiday lasting two weeks. It is a wedding dress worn for one day. What would you pay if it was your child, or grandchild, to make the difference between being literate and illiterate, which will last their lifetime?

Julia Douetil, Trainer and national co-ordinator, Reading Recovery National Network, Institute of Education, London.