A high-quality education in English will teach children to speak and write fluently so that they can communicate their ideas and emotions to others, and through their reading and listening, others can communicate with them. 

Reading also enables children both to acquire knowledge and to build on what they already know. The aim for English in the national curriculum is to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping children with a strong command of the spoken and written language, and to develop their love of literature through widespread reading for enjoyment. 

Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing. The quality and variety of language that children hear and speak is vital for developing their vocabulary and grammar and their understanding for reading and writing. 

The programmes of study for reading includes both word reading and comprehension (both listening and reading). Phonics is emphasized in the early teaching of reading to beginners (ie unskilled readers) when they start school. It is essential that, by the end of their primary education, all children are able to read fluently, and with confidence, in any subject in their forthcoming secondary education. 

The programmes of study for writing includes both transcription (spelling and handwriting) and composition (articulating ideas and structuring them in speech and writing). In addition, children should be taught how to plan, revise and evaluate their writing. Writing also depends on fluent, legible and, eventually, speedy handwriting.