According to the National Union of Teachers, only eight out of the first 500 teachers to reply to the survey thought their training had been adequate.

The National Literacy Strategy - involving a daily "literacy hour" and 'traditional' teaching methods such as phonics and the involvement of the whole class - began being implemented in primary schools across England last September.

It is part of the government's drive to ensure that 80% of 11-year-olds reach the required standards in English by the year 2002.

Modified

The union survey also suggests that although the strategy is not compulsory it is being adopted in 97% of primary schools. But 90% of teachers thought it had been introduced with insufficient resources, and had increased their workload.

Fewer than half those responding said they were carrying out the strategy in as prescribed, with 52% modifying it to suit the needs of their pupils.

Commenting on the findings, the union's General Secretary, Doug McAvoy, said: "While the vast majority of schools have implemented the hour, under-resourcing, insufficient training and significantly increased workload have created problems.

"There is a lack of conviction about the value of the literacy hour as well as widespread concern about under-resourcing and workload. Imposition has not motivated teachers but in many cases has contributed to that lack of conviction."

A government spokesman welcomed the fact that 97% of school in the survey were implementing the government's strategy.