In Suffolk, our work with communities is made possible thanks to the incredible partnerships we form with local organisations and businesses. This work not only reaches local families with children, but also young people starting out in life.
One such partnership is between our National Literacy Trust team in Suffolk and East Coast College in Lowestoft. The shared goal was to raise the aspirations of students taking the T-Level Childcare course, with a belief this would impact the wider community, breaking a cycle of low self-confidence in teaching and nurturing literacy skills in future generations - both the student practitioners and the children they would have in their care once they went into the workplace.
Lead Literacy Champion volunteer Emma Furness, Learning Services Team Lead at East Coast College, connected our Suffolk team with Jaz Foster, Childcare Lecturer. Jaz provided instrumental insight, knowing how we could add value to the current curriculum and weave our ideas through the academic year.
A lot of these students didn't have the confidence - they hated being observed and some of the placements aren't great for them. I think you've done a really good job of making them realise that they have such an important part to play as future practitioners. They will really appreciate that - they have so much power for good.
Jaz Foster, Lecturer at East Coast College
What was our approach?
Students on the course signed up as Youth Literacy Champions, not only to supplement their studies but also to play a part in advocating the importance of reading to your child within their communities. One third of the students had friends with children and reflected on how they could raise this within their circles.
Across a series of inductions and workshops, National Literacy Trust Project Officer Rhiannon Marno and Literacy Champion Judy shared national statistics and learnings from their experiences working in schools. They also shared ideas for fun activities to engage children in reading, writing and oracy.
There have been hidden benefits to this such as having an insight into their practice. I don’t usually see students in action, so it was great to see how they were outside of the classroom. It was also lovely to give back to local settings who support our students during placement.
Jaz Foster
The partnership also allowed students to build confidence and gain practical experience when preparing for placements. Lead volunteer Literacy Champion Emma Furness invited children and teachers from local schools into the nursery's training room, 'The Nest' - something that hadn't been done before.
With the support of the college and Suffolk team, the students held a story café event for 30 local children to celebrate World Book Day. This was an opportunity to test literacy activities they’d created themselves, while essentially managing a nursery for the day. The students took ownership of the event, instilling confidence around the skills needed for their careers in childcare.
And not only did this experience create a sense of pride for the students; it also encouraged local children to engage and take part in something new.
I've been sitting back as the students are doing a fantastic job. I've noticed one student in particular who is doing a wonderful job with a child who would never normally speak to a stranger.
Teacher from Rainbow Nursery
What has the impact been?
From a post-course student questionnaire, 100% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their work with the National Literacy Trust increased their understanding of the importance of literacy.
Additionally, 96% of respondents agreed that becoming Literacy Champions improved their confidence to try new literacy activity ideas within their communities and placements.
Jaz has also seen the lasting positive impact for the students, both personally and practically: “They’ve used their experience to enhance their CV when getting their first job, and have seen that it puts them ahead of others - they appreciate that the project is ongoing.
“It has also increased their awareness of the power they have to make a difference and changed their outlook on what reading means.”
It’s not only the students who have come away with an awareness of the difference they can make. Speaking to the impact of the partnership, Jaz commented: “it reaffirmed what the college can offer …we’re not just working with students as a tick box exercise. The students have seen that we care because we’re also volunteering for the good of them and the community.”
Based on the success of the partnership in Suffolk with East Coast College, the project was expanded to three more National Literacy Trust Hub locations - Middlesborough, the North East and Doncaster - where we work closely in partnership with four further education settings.
Would you like to partner with us in Suffolk?
The National Literacy Trust in Suffolk welcomes new partnerships with local businesses, organisations and institutions in Lowestoft and Leiston to engage families and young people and improve literacy levels.
If you would like to collaborate with us, please get in touch with our team at suffolk@literacytrust.org.uk – we’d love to hear from you.