Case study: Right to Read, Knowsley

Knowsley Right to Read Project was funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for two years until August 2006. The project aims to ensure that all carers have access to the information and support necessary to support the children in their care who have often missed out on early family reading experiences.

The project was established as a result of joint work by the library service, children's services department, Knowsley Primary Care Trust and social services. It has established partnerships with other local services for children and young people who are looked after, including Knowsley Fostering and Adoption Service. Joint work with the team includes contributing to the programme of training for foster carers, as well as people who are considering fostering or adopting.

As the project is based in the library service, libraries have a central role in developing this support, and are committed to removing perceived and real barriers to carers using libraries as a family resource. Where carers are confident in supporting children in this area, the project is a resource for them to draw on when they need it, as well as a source of free books for children who are looked after (and their foster siblings) to keep.

Sometimes, however, carers are not confident or active readers themselves and may have limited or negative experiences of books, reading and libraries. The project has therefore developed a range of strategies for engaging with carers and encouraging them to be 'reading champions'.

One example of how this happens was through a training session for carers on parenting skills. The project coordinator was able to contribute to the carers' discussions, and demonstrated a range of ideas for establishing a reading culture in the home and for using stories creatively, even with children who have been turned off books. The coordinator was able to show how, through sharing books regularly with children, as well as the pure enjoyment of stories, the foundations of positive relationships with children are nurtured, putting carers in a stronger position to influence a child's attitude and approach to learning.

The project has produced a book to raise awareness and help its readers to understand more about the experiences of looked after young people and those who care for them. To obtain a copy of the book, send a self-addressed envelope with 70p stamp to address below.

Contact: Project Coordinator, Tracey Collins, Knowsley Right to Read Project, Kirkby Library, Newtown Gardens, Kirkby L32 8RR, Tel: 07795 645343 Back to case studies index