Children are too young to learn to read when they first start school in the UK, an academic claims.

Pushing reception pupils too hard could put them off for life, especially boys, says Professor Lilian Katz.

She believes government plans to teach children to read even earlier, at pre-school, are a mistake.

The government insists children are starting school at the best time, and says early years learning involves play-based as well as formal learning.

Ministers are striving to improve reading standards across all age groups.

Dr Katz, a professor of education at the University of Illinois in the USA, thinks policy makers are pushing children too hard too early.

Children will soon learn to read even earlier in pre-school.

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