Literacy news

Oxfordshire set to get reading

25 Sep 2012

The Oxfordshire Reading Campaign has launched today to improve the standards of reading amongst primary age children in the local area. Oxfordshire County Council has commissioned The National Literacy Trust to work with 81 local primary schools and improve standards of reading of Year 2 pupils (7 year olds).

Whilst Oxfordshire’s Key Stage Two results for 2012 have outstripped the national rise in achievement by three percent, the county’s reading standards amongst primary age children are currently lower than expected, with 2011 Key Stage 1 results causing particular concern. The National Literacy Trust will work to improve reading levels through a comprehensive package of professional development support and exciting new resources for early reading.  The campaign will improve pupils’ reading confidence and enjoyment and the aim is to increase attainment levels by 12 percent over two years.

The Oxfordshire Reading Campaign will also feature a volunteering programme which will augment existing volunteering work in local schools.  This will provide pupils with one to one volunteer support, measuring increases in confidence and engagement in reading. 

Improving children’s literacy is extremely important as research has highlighted that those with good literacy skills are more likely to have higher self-esteem, better health, better jobs and higher wages than those with poor literacy skills. By fostering a culture of reading and a love of books children will have a better chance of future success.

The scheme has support from Edge Hill University who will be providing professional development support for schools and from Oxford University Press who will be providing a discount on the chosen intervention programme, Project X CODE. 

Abigail Moss of the National Literacy Trust said:

We are looking forward to working with school communities to not only raise standards in reading for children in Oxfordshire, but to work with children to develop a love of reading.

We want the whole community to get involved with improving literacy in the county. Parental engagement is crucial to the success of this campaign and we would encourage local parents to support the campaign by visiting www.oxfordshirereading.co.uk where they can find practical tips to enhance their child’s reading experience.

Oxfordshire Councillor Melinda Tilley added:

It’s really important that we work to improve literacy in the county to give our children the best possible start in life and a successful future.

We hope local schools and parents will rally behind the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign so we can make significant improvements both to children’s enjoyment of reading and to their exam results.

For the latest campaign news or to find out how to volunteer with the programme visit www.oxfordshirereading.co.uk.

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Tags: Children, Early Years, Families, Young People

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