Alphabet block for some children

Girls outstripped boys at five

One in six children in England struggles with the alphabet and even to write their own name after a year of primary school, government data shows.

Although most were able to do some of the things expected of them at this stage, only 48% could do all of them, with boys struggling most of all.

Figures for 2005 showed 16% of five-year-olds could not recognise all, or most of the letters in the alphabet.

15% failed to write their first name or key words like mum and dad properly.

About one in five children is thought to have learning difficulties so the figures are perhaps not surprising.

Children in school reception classes (aged four and five) are assessed for what is known as the foundation stage profile.

The assessments cover language, literacy, and early maths skills as well as a child's physical, social and emotional development.

'Results rising'

Children are expected to be able to link letters and sounds in simple words and guess at the meaning of simple sentences, to be attentive in class and take account of what others say.

The figures showed the majority of children were at the levels expected of their age group for all the key skills. Most were able to attempt a variety of different types of writing and reading, such as making shopping lists.

Girls outstripped boys in all areas - by 17 percentage points in the case of writing. Child development experts generally agree that many boys take longer than girls to develop the fine motor skills needed to write and draw.

A spokesperson for the Department for Education and Skills said the government was determined to give every young person the best start in life.

"We are the first government to publish these figures. Since 1997, test results have risen significantly in schools at all levels and are at record levels," he said.

"We want to support parents to help their children begin learning before they reach school. That is why we introduced free part-time early education for those parents who want it and established the foundation stage for all three to five year olds."