Literacy drive is showing results

Education leaders say a �1.5 million campaign to improve literacy in the city is making a difference.

Whatever It Takes was launched in October, 2009 to tackle poor literacy levels in Leicester. It is supported by the local authority, teaching unions and businesses and aims to drive standards up over the next 10 years.

Pam Weston, who co-chairs the project, said: "We're seeing early signs of success. "More children are achieving level two and level three in reading at seven years and this is being converted to at least level four by 11 years."

Figures from the library service show that 1,930 children joined the library in July and August last year, an increase of 21 per cent on the year before – an early sign, says Mrs Weston, that the message is getting through.

A host of events are planned over the next few months including author week, starting on March 7.

Writers including Oadby children's author Bali Rai, will be reading extracts from books and taking part in creative writing work-shops and poetry readings with children aimed at inspiring them to read more.

A storytelling week begins on May 9 specifically aimed at children aged five or below. Project leaders are also planning a reading festival for October. Charities, businesses and community groups are being asked to come up with their own ideas and events for encouraging youngsters to read – and grants are available to help people organise them.

Last summer's results for seven-year-olds showed reading skills among the city's most under-privileged children had improved one per cent to 74 per cent, reaching the Government's level four benchmark.

Overall results for reading among all seven year olds in Leicester showed 81 per cent were hitting the target, the same as the previous year. Mrs Weston said: "WIT isn't a short-term programme. It's a 10 year commitment, as that's how long it's taken other authorities to turn standards around."

Earlier this month, dozens of teachers attended an event aimed at showing them the best approaches to encourage boys to read.

City council schools spokeswoman Councillor Vi Dempster said: "The impact of poor literacy levels can be felt across society through low self-esteem, poor behaviour and low aspiration. By working together we aim to change the outcomes of young people and society. That's why we're committed to making this a success."

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