Many children in disadvantaged areas leave primary school unable to read well. Through the Young Readers Programme, we give children in these areas the chance to choose new books to keep through a series of fun events.
The Young Readers Programme is:
25% of children left primary school last year unable to read properly. This increases to 40% for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. A love of reading can change their lives.
Through a series of fun events, we give disadvantaged children the opportunity to choose books that they can take home and keep. These are often the first books they have ever owned.
The programme has been running for over 20 years. In recent years, we have been awarded the the 2018 Charity Times Award 2018 for Corporate Local Involvement for our partnership with British Land and the Corporate Engagement Bronze Award 2017 for our partnership with WHSmith.
As part of the programme, schools and other partner organisations also receive training, ongoing support and membership of the National Literacy Trust. There is no cost to the schools, teachers or children for taking part and, wherever possible, expenses (including travel) are covered.
Since 1996, the Young Readers Programme has given over 1.1 million books to over 384,000 children. Our most recent evaluation of the Young Readers Programme showed that:
Success story
Success story
Success story
