Age is something that slightly hurts Jump Ahead: Reading Year 1, too. Because while it boasts that it supports the National Curriculum, things will inevitably have moved on a little in the years since Knowledge Adventure originally released the game.

Focus has repackaged it for a fiver, and we feared problems when it became apparent that the software dates back to 2000. If it hadn't told us that on the opening screen, we'd have quickly twigged it from the shaky graphics.

And yet while its direct relevance to the National Curriculum may not be what it was, it is still a very good piece of educational software. Users are guided by a series of likeable cartoon characters and a healthy selection of interesting, well presented activities are offered to help youngsters with their reading.

Completed activities result in a certificate, which can then be printed out, and an ongoing progress report is always available. Against our initial impressions, Jump Ahead: Reading Year 1 is a delight to use, and we're intrigued to see that Focus also offers a box-set of further packages in the series. We suspect that's up to the same standard.

Company: Focus

Contact: 01889 570156

Company: GSP

Contact: 01480 496666

Company: Focus

Contact: 01889 570156

Tags: national curriculum knowledge adventure education thomas the tank engine united states climate change year one (education) london school of economics