Home Learning Environment - Parent Survey 2021
This report explores the findings of a survey conducted with 1500 parents of children from birth to age five about the home learning environment.
Literacy and Early Years
Our research into early years includes the Home Learning Environment (HLE), early communication and the use of technology
Our research into early years includes the Home Learning Environment (HLE), early communication and the use of technology.
Key statistics on early years and literacy
- Children who struggle with language at age five are five times more likely to fail to reach the expected standard in English aged 11 (23% vs 4%). Find out more.
- In 2019, 175,000 five-year-olds in England started primary school without the communication, language and literacy skills expected for their age. Find out more.
- A quality home learning environment can enable children to develop the language and communication skills they need to learn and develop socially and emotionally. Find out more.
Early years and COVID-19
During COVID-19, Many families reported enjoying spending more time together at home. 90% of families reported an increase in enriching activities, such as chatting, playing and reading, during lockdown. However, there has been a marked difference between children who have spent enhanced quality time at home with their parents, and those who have been at home in more difficult circumstances. Find out more.
Our latest research in Early Years
Research View detailsResearch View detailsThe impact of Covid-19 on the home learning environment
This literature review considers the impact of COVID-19 on families, and the implications for the home learning environment.
News
New research shows the value of supporting pre-school language skills: it could boost the economy by £1.2bn
Today, we are excited to share new research which shows that doing simple activities at home such as singing, painting or enjoying a bedtime story with pre-school children at risk...Research View detailsPlayful storytelling: The role of interactive audio in building children’s literacy skills and engagement
Our new report commissioned by Tonies shows how audiobooks can help build reading engagement with younger childrenResearch View detailsSHINE Everyone Ready for School evaluation: Year One
This report evaluates the impact of the National Literacy Trust’s Everyone Ready for School programme in Darlington which ran for two years from 2018 to 2020 with evaluation...
What else we know about Early Years and literacy
- Fewer parents engaged in home learning activities (for example chatting to and reading with their children) in 2021 compared with 2019. Find out more.
- Although children from disadvantaged backgrounds read printed stories less frequently than their peers, they look at or read stories on a touchscreen more frequently. Find out more.
Our Early Years work
Early Words Together
Early Words Together helps parents support their young child’s literacy and language development.
First Words Together
This brand new programme helps parents support their babies' and toddlers' early communication development, leading up to their first words.
Hungry Little Minds
Easy and accessible resources for parents, carers and early years settings with children aged 0-5.
Everyone Ready for School
Everyone Ready for School engages parents in their young child’s learning through a series of fun, creative events held at the school the child will attend in September.