Programme launched to help Rotherham schools to pick up the reading habit

Three schools in the Rawmarsh and Parkgate districts of Rotherham are being helped to fall in love with books thanks to a project sponsored by Parkgate Shopping and run by the National Literacy Trust’s Young Readers’ Programme.

The project began in December when teachers from Ryecroft Infant School, Monkwood Primary School and St Joseph’s Primary School attended a training session provided by Parkgate and the National Literacy Trust. The project aims to open up the exciting world of books to 180 kids at the three schools.

Teachers will help pupils to choose their own books and the children will be invited to select three books to keep for free at special book events.

Parkgate staff will visit the schools in the coming months and are also planning a special event in conjunction with WH Smith at the shopping park to coincide with World Book Day in March.

The shopping park’s owner, British Land, is spending £8,000 on the reading initiative in Rotherham as part of a £35,000 national Young Readers programme.

Denis Copeland, Park Manager, said: “We are delighted to support this worthwhile project aimed at helping young people fall in love with reading.

“There is so much children can get from books but as the National Literacy Trust tell us from their research many are not being given the chance to discover the value and enjoyment that books can bring to their lives.

“It is important for us as a significant employer and contributor to the local economy that we participate in such a project with the potential to make a strong impact within the community.”

Caroline Sence, who manages the programme for the National Literacy Trust’ commented: “One in three children in the UK does not own a book of their own and our nationwide campaign alongside British Land and their Shopping Parks is to tackle this deprivation in the most practical way.”

16th January 2012

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