More Ipswich schools have signed up to an innovative literacy pledge which has been instrumental in improving results over the last 15 months.
So far 10 Ipswich schools have been working with partners including Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Libraries, with three more having signed up to the pledge – St Helen’s Primary School, Ipswich Academy and The Oaks Primary School.
John Helleur, one of the project’s founders, said: “We are delighted that schools have really got behind Let’s Talk Reading and shown their commitment to focus on reading with every pupil.
“The aim of the pledge is to help place literacy at the heart of school life, to create a culture where children enjoy and benefit from reading.
“It is vital that each and every child and young person is able to read well enough to enable them to succeed in school and throughout life.”
The scheme’s focus is on making reading enjoyable for youngsters in a bid to help them maintain reading, and promote conversations between youngsters and their parents and peers.
Data published in November revealed that some schools’ reading SATs results had risen by as much as 28% since being involved.
The pledge focuses on making children confident and enthusiastic readers, giving time and space for youngsters to read, and supporting parents and carers in both their own reading skills and encouraging their children.
Ipswich Academy principal Helen Winn, said: “Ipswich Academy is proud to have signed the reading pledge to confirm its commitment to improving reading skills.
“Ipswich Academy is also working with local partners in primary schools and the community to support the improvement of reading for everyone in the local area. As a member of the Let’s Talk Reading project, we are committed to sharing and supporting good practice in Ipswich to secure a better future for the young people in our town.”
More partners are set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here