Middlesbrough Reads
The National Literacy Hub in Middlesbrough is branded as Middlesbrough Reads. A range of partners work together to promote reading and improve literacy levels in the town.
The campaign focuses on ensuring children are ready to start school, raising awareness of the value of reading to new born babies and improving the literacy skills of teenage boys.
Get involved
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Parents and carers
Tips and activities to help you support your child’s literacy skills at all ages.
Visit Words for Life. -
Schools and settings
Contact us to find out how your school or setting can get involved in the campaign.
Email Allison Potter. -
Business
Use your business’ resources, reach and local knowledge to make a real impact.
Pledge your support.
Highlights to date
Closing the early years development gap
Between 2013 and 2015, around 200 families in Middlesbrough took part in Early Words Together. More children who participated achieved a Good Level of Development at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage, closing the gap with the national average from 22.6 percentage points in 2013 to 6.27 percentage points in 2015.
Encouraging reading to premature babies
Working with James Cook University Hospital and premature baby charity Bliss, parents of premature babies have been supported with book packs and nursing staff have received literacy training. The project was Highly Commended by the Third Sector’s Business Charity Award in 2016.
Raising awareness across the town
A major public campaign promotes reading and talk with babies and children, with posters displayed on public screens and bus shelters around the town. More than 20,000 flyers have been distributed to families and supporting information is included in every baby’s personal child health record.
Using the power of football
A partnership with Middlesbrough Football Club has embedded positive literacy messaging within the community. We’ve supported their events and family facilities with free books, provided features on the importance of literacy in match-day programmes and delivered social media campaigns.
