Attention is drawn to the frightening literacy statistics revealed in the OECD’s “Education at a glance” report (TES, June 15). But it would be a pity to overlook the equally important “Starting strong” report. The findings of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development review of early childhood education and care programmes in 12 countries reveal that factors in later underachievement are still not adequately addressed in the Govern-ment’s early-years policies. If children in poor areas are to benefit, the introduction of a more coherent funding approach is essential after the shocking child poverty rates in this study. Again, the UK comes second from bottom.

Eva Lloyd National Early Years Network 77 Holloway Road, London