Literacy drive opens book for young readers

SCHOOLCHILDREN in Oldham are being encouraged to develop a love of reading through an exciting three-day literacy-focused event.

As part of the National Literacy Trust’s Young Readers Programme, 250 pupils from Oasis Academy Limeside, Richmond Primary and Medlock Valley will take part in three fun and engaging literacy-focused events where each child will be given the opportunity to choose a free book to keep at each session.

The final event of the three will see the children take part in a reading session to build upon their learning in a leisure environment.

The announcement follows a report from “Read On Get On”, a coalition of charities and organisations of which the National Literacy Trust and Save the Children are key members, which shows that close to one in four children in England cannot read well by the age of 11.

This rises to two in five among children from low-income families.

The Young Readers Programme — supported by funding from the owner of Elk Mill Retail Park, British Land — is designed to encourage reading for enjoyment, which can lead to improved attainment, and this year’s project aims to reach around 5,000 pupils across the UK.

British Land is investing over £200,000 to help run the Young Readers Programme across the country, with over £10,000 funding events in the local area.

Over the last two years, 96 per cent of teachers taking part in the Young Readers Programme reported the children showing a greater enjoyment of reading and 98 per cent of the teachers involved said it was valuable for their professional development — benefiting future pupils.

The programme will also encourage parents to get involved at home by providing tips and advice online at www.elkmillshopping.com/neighbourhood/top-tips-words-life about how they can motivate and inspire their children to develop a love of reading.

Colin Gilligan, centre director at Elk Mill Retail Park, said: “Through the events we aim to help children develop a passion for reading which can contribute to improved attainment.

“As well as working with our selected partner schools, we are also pleased that this year we’ll be offering a host of online resources for parents to access, helping to encourage improved skills right across the board.”