Reading Recovery is a free, school-based early literacy intervention programme delivered in English for Year 2 students who are struggling most with reading and writing. Run by the National Literacy Agency (NLA) in collaboration with Reading Recovery Europe, the programme has been operating in 64 primary state schools across Malta and Gozo for the past eight years. Children receive 30 minutes of daily one-to-one teaching from a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher over a period of 12 to 20 weeks, with the goal of bringing them to within the average range of classroom reading and writing performance. Around 80% of completed programmes result in a successful outcome. For the 2026-2027 scholastic year, the NLA is also introducing a Maltese-language pilot version of the programme called Ir-Rimonta Fil-Qari in selected state primary schools.
Your child will receive 30 minutes of individual, one-to-one literacy instruction every school day with a specially trained Reading Recovery teacher, for a period of between 12 and 20 weeks. The programme focuses on developing effective reading and writing strategies in English so that your child can work independently within the average range of their class. Progress is monitored throughout the programme using the Reading Recovery Evaluation Database to ensure your child is on track.
The programme is available to Year 2 students in state primary schools in Malta and Gozo who are identified as having the lowest achievement in literacy within a specific six-month age range in their year group. Children are selected by their school, parents cannot self-refer. The Maltese-language version, Ir-Rimonta Fil-Qari, is currently being introduced as a pilot in selected state primary schools only.
Reading Recovery is a school-initiated programme, parents do not apply directly. Eligible Year 2 students are identified and referred by their school based on literacy assessments carried out at the start of the scholastic year. If you believe your child may benefit from additional reading and writing support, speak to their class teacher or Head of School. For further information contact the National Literacy Agency directly: Ms Janet Maria Cristina, Senior Manager, email [email protected], tel: 2598 3327.
The Reading Recovery Programme is delivered by Complementary Education Teachers or Literacy Support Teachers who have received specialist Reading Recovery training through the National Literacy Agency. Sessions are prioritised within the school timetable and must not be interrupted by other school activities. If disruptions occur due to school events, sessions may be rescheduled before or after school hours. Because the programme depends on consistent daily instruction, parents are asked to ensure their child attends school regularly throughout the intervention period as gaps in attendance directly reduce the effectiveness of the programme. Children are taught individually for 30 minutes every day. For the 2026/27 scholastic year, a Maltese-language pilot version called Ir-Rimonta Fil-Qari is being introduced in selected state primary schools in collaboration with Reading Recovery Europe and the International Reading Recovery Trainers Organisation. For further information contact Ms Janet Maria Cristina, Senior Manager, National Literacy Agency, email [email protected], tel: 2598 3327.
Not Applicable
