An intervention is described which had the twofold aims of increasing the literacy teaching skills of teachers and raising the achievement in Key Stage 1 national tests of selected groups of Year 2 children. The theoretical framework for the intervention is discussed. The training course for and delivery and success of the intervention are evaluated. The training course was valued highly by the participants, there was evidence that what teachers learned was put into practice and the intervention was judged to be successful since the outcomes for the children were higher than anticipated. The evaluation of in-service training is discussed in general. (Contains 1 table.)