For many years publications of this kind have been produced by teachers working with children experiencing difficulties in early learning.

Linda Perry has designed this step-by-step “literacy intervention programme” for children at key stage 1 and early KS2. It is envisaged that these lessons would continue for approximately two terms and follow a reading recovery style of approach. Each session lasts for about 20 minutes, whch means that it can take place within the literacy hour.

This material must be used with selected books from the following reading schemes: Oxford Reading Scheme, Sunshine Spiral Starters, All Aboard and Collins Pathways. For any schools which do not have these books already it would become very expensive.

The teacher’s book and lesson plans are helpful. The successful use of this material will probably depend on how carefully these are read before introducing each lesson.

Charles Cripps is a lecturer and language consultant