đź“° Adult Literacy News Summary
How playing a musical instrument helps children learn to read
02-Oct-2025 - UK
Music training seems to boost reading skills in young children by enhancing their ability to recognise and manipulate the sounds that make up words. Learning to play an instrument has long been linked to improved early reading abilities, as well as mathematical ones, but how it does this wasn’t clear, because playing an instrument involves many skills.
Read moreWhy a new birth cohort study matters for civil servants across the UK
02-Oct-2025 - UK
Children born today will grow up in a very different world to that experienced by previous generations. That world has been shaped by era-defining changes in technology (including the growth of the digital world), society (including dramatic changes in how we work) and the environment (including the impact of climate change). Findings from the 1970 British Cohort Study underpinned the “Skills for Life” initiative, improving adult literacy rates by 13%.
Read moreGreater Glasgow library services shortlisted for SLIC Awards
01-Oct-2025 - UK
Three Greater Glasgow library services have been shortlisted for prestigious awards. The annual Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) Awards celebrate library teams and projects that are transforming communities across Scotland. They highlight innovative literacy programmes, inclusive community hubs, and other initiatives that have made a significant impact
Read moreBridget Phillipson pushes back at criticism over potential Year 8 reading tests
30-Sep-2025 - UK
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the need to assess schoolchildren’s reading after a union backlash over the expected introduction of mandatory tests for 13-year-olds. The Government is set to introduce compulsory reading tests at the end of Year 8 in England under plans in the forthcoming Schools White Paper.
Read moreQufu hosts UNESCO education prize
29-Sep-2025 - China
The birthplace of philosopher Confucius, Qufu in Shandong province, hosted the award ceremony of the 20th UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy on Saturday evening where projects from Bangladesh, Ireland and Morocco were recognized for their contributions to innovation in education and the promotion of equal access to learning.
Read moreDoes your school have a library?
29-Sep-2025 - UK
The government has announced there will be a library in every primary school in England by 2029. The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves made the announcement on Monday, promising to spend over ÂŁ10m on the project. Right now, there are around 1,700 primaries without a library. The government has said it will "set out further details of the scheme in due course."
Read moreCamden celebrates the achievements of adult learners and volunteers
29-Sep-2025 - UK
Last week (Friday 26 September), Camden celebrated the achievements of adult learners and the invaluable contributions of volunteers at the annual Adult Learning Awards. Taking place at the British Library, the event recognised the inspiring journeys of learners who have taken steps to gain new skills and qualifications to find work, explore new passions, boost confidence, or improve health and wellbeing.
Read moreWhy Adult Education Matters More Than Ever
26-Sep-2025 - UK
Every year Adult Learners’ Week shines a light on the transformative power of learning. It’s a chance to celebrate people who have taken the leap back into education and to reflect on what more we can do to ensure that opportunities are open to everyone in Wales. Initial findings from this year’s survey of adult participation in learning offer a timely reminder of both the promise and the challenge. The data shows that just over one in five adults in Wales are currently engaged in learning (22%) and nearly half (47%) have taken part within the last three years.
Read more2026 Budget Cuts Indigenous Adult Literacy Programs
24-Sep-2025 - Mexico
Mexico's 2026 federal budget proposal includes reductions of MX$119 million (US$6.48 million) for programs supporting indigenous education and adult literacy, raising concerns about the potential impact on ongoing initiatives. The plan would cut MX$104 million (USS5.66 million) from the National Institute for Adult Education ('NEA) and MXSI S million (USSO.83 million) from the Directorate of Indigenous Intercultural and Bilingual Education.
Read moreSarah Ferguson dropped from multiple charities over Epstein email
23-Sep-2025 - UK
The Duchess of York has been removed as patron of six charities after an email from 2011 emerged in which she called sex offender Jeffrey Epstein her “supreme friend” and seemed to apologise for her public criticism of him.
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