Evaluating the effectiveness of the RILL literacy with language intervention for primary-aged children in English and Welsh
This study is checking how well an updated RILL programme works. RILL is a special support programme designed to help primary school children aged 7-9 years old who are struggling with reading, especially if they also have weaker language skills. Previous studies have shown that RILL can help children with their reading and vocabulary, and this new version is longer and uses online materials. The study will happen in primary schools in Wales, running in both English and Welsh. Children with the lowest reading scores will be invited to take part. Researchers will compare children who get the RILL programme with others who continue with their usual lessons, to see if RILL helps them improve their reading more.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Learning to read can be tricky for many children, especially if they also have some difficulties with their language skills. The RILL (Research-Informed Literacy with Language) programme is a special teaching method created to help children aged 7 to 9 years old who are finding reading tough. It's a structured programme, meaning it has a clear plan to help children get better at reading.
Researchers have already looked at RILL before and found that it can help children with their reading and understanding of words. Now, they've updated the programme to make it even better, delivering it over a longer time and using online resources. This study is testing this new, improved version of RILL in primary schools across Wales to see how well it works. It's happening separately for children who learn in English and those who learn in Welsh.
The main aim is to find out if children who receive the RILL programme improve their reading skills more than children who continue with their usual classroom lessons. If this updated RILL programme proves to be very helpful, it could mean that more schools across Wales might start using it to support children with their reading.
Key takeaways
- It's a study for 7-9 year olds in Welsh primary schools struggling with reading.
- It tests an updated RILL programme, an online reading and language support.
- Children either get the RILL programme or continue with usual lessons.
- Reading skills are checked before and after the 20-week study period.
- The goal is to see if RILL helps children improve their reading more.
- There are no expected risks, and it's led by Bangor University.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children aged between 7 and 9 years old who go to one of the primary schools taking part in the study.
For a child to be considered, they must have one of the lowest reading scores in their class based on a short reading check called ReadingScreen. This check will be done in the language the child is taught in, either English or Welsh.
Children who don't fit these descriptions, for example, if they are outside the age range or have higher reading scores, won't be able to join this particular study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is my child between 7 and 9 years old?
- Does my child attend a primary school that is taking part in this study?
- Has my child been identified as having lower reading scores compared to others in their class?
- Does my child learn in either English or Welsh at school?
What does participation involve?
If your child is invited to take part in this study, it involves a few steps. First, all children in participating classrooms will do a quick reading check. If your child has one of the lowest scores, they might be asked to join the study.
Children who do join will be put into one of two groups by chance, like drawing names from a hat. One group will get the RILL programme, which is taught in small groups by a specially trained teaching assistant during school hours for 20 weeks. The other group will carry on with their usual lessons in class during this time. Don't worry, if your child is in this second group, they will be given the chance to try the RILL programme after the study is finished.
Your child's reading skills will be checked twice: once before the 20-week programme starts, and again when it finishes. This helps the researchers see how much progress was made. All these activities are designed to be part of the normal school day and are suitable for your child's age.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Bangor UniversityApproximateBangor, Wales
Common questions
What is the RILL programme?
RILL is a special programme designed to help children aged 7-9 who are finding reading difficult, especially if they have language challenges.
Who can take part in the study?
Children aged 7-9 in participating primary schools in Wales who have the lowest reading scores in their class can join.
How long does the study last?
The RILL programme itself runs for 20 weeks, and the full study takes place from January to July 2026.
Will my child miss out on regular lessons?
The RILL programme will be delivered during the school day, by teaching assistants, so it's integrated into their learning environment.
Who is paying for this study?
The study is funded by the Welsh Government (Llywodraeth Cymru).
How to find out more
Manon Jones
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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