Schools quick to sign up to literacy project (From Oxford Mail)

Schools quick to sign up to literacy project

9:00am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Get Oxfordshire Reading

THREE schools have already signed up to take part in the Oxfordshire Reading Campaign.

The Oxfordshire County Council campaign, run by the National Literacy Trust and backed by the Oxford Mail, was launched yesterday. It was outlined to headteachers at a conference on Monday.

And three schools – St Leonard’s and Hill View Primary Schools in Banbury and Barley Hill Primary School in Thame – have all said they want to take part. Hill View headteacher Claire Ferens said: “This project is quite inspiring in terms of the resources they provide.

“We are very excited about the new challenge and are embracing the programme.”

Leena O’Hara, programme manager for the campaign, said the launch had been a huge success. She said: “There has been lots of positive feedback from schools and partners, fantastic press coverage and excellent tweets which is very encouraging.”

The messages of support included one from the Oxfordshire branch of the National Union of Teachers.

The organisation tweeted: “Thanks to @OxfordshireCC and @Literacy_Trust for yesterday's conference on #OxonReadCampaign. Very exciting project with lots of potential!”

Culture Minister and Wantage MP Ed Vaizey welcomed the initiative.

He said: “I’m delighted the county council is investing significant sums in getting young people to read.

“It’s incredibly important that kids get books when they are young and that they are comfortable with them.

“I’m very pleased to see the Oxford Mail support such an important initiative.”