Tips by Text is an innovative home learning programme aimed at improving the literacy, language and numeracy skills of young children.

Parents of 4-5-year-olds taking part in the project receive three texts each week.

The first message of the week is designed to inform and motivate parents, the second offers a specific activity designed to fit into family routines, while the final message provides encouragement, reinforcement and a follow-up tip.

For instance, an activity message to help develop numeracy skills might read: “As you put away the dishes, count the plates one-by-one with your child. Then try the bowls…”

SHINE is supporting this programme in partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation and the Department for Education.

It is based on a programme in the US which has achieved promising results.