Why have a strategic approach to literacy? 

Low literacy underpins many of the big issues which trouble local authorities: worklessness, poor skills and low attainment. By improving literacy levels we can improve life chances and save money on a whole range of later interventions.

Derrick Anderson, Chief Executive of Lambeth Borough Council

Rather than funding more project delivery, local authorities can improve literacy levels by working more effectively with local partners. 

Our literacy strategy fits with the role of local authorities as leaders of strategy and partnership, as commissioners and as advocates for the most vulnerable.

The benefits:

• Reduce the burden on state funding. This new approach which orchestrates partnership working and draws on the capability of communities.
• Target those with the greatest need. Parental involvement is the most important determinant of educational attainment. This approach delivers educational benefits for pupils and parents.
• Reduce individuals' and families' dependency. This benefits the wider community state as well as those directly involved. By improving literacy levels we can help people to have a great sense of achievement, self-esteem and self-belief.

Read more about:

• The research upon which our approach is based.
• The policy priorities it supports.
• The impact the approach has already had across other areas.

See how working with us can help you to improve literacy levels, raise standards and improve life chances across your local area.

Any individual who wants to participate fully in society, to earn a reasonable income, enjoy meaningful work, strong relationships, and emotional wellbeing – stands a much better chance of achieving all of these things if they’re able to read, write and speak effectively.

And, thanks in part to the National Literacy Trust, we also know how deeply literacy is connected with other social issues. The quality of housing, health, maternity and other services in a community bear a strong and direct relationship to the literacy skills of those living in that community.

Sarah Teather, Minister of State for Children and Families