The Department for Education recently released data revealing a stark reality: missing ten days of schooling in year 6 can reduce a pupil's likelihood of reaching expected standards by about 25 percent. As referenced in CLC’s press release, the Children’s Literacy Charity is very concerned about these statistics. They too are increasing their focus on narrowing the literacy gap for our most under-resourced kids. The education charity looks to inspire girls across 40 partner schools. Each summer, it provides dynamic programs that build critical literacy skills to over 1,000 children. As we’ve seen in their programs, reading, comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing are all integrated into their lessons. They work very hard to position students for a successful move into secondary education.
The charity’s flagship initiative, the “Reading Lab” intervention, have been proven extremely effective. Over 10 weeks, students are able to achieve an average of seven months of reading skills advancements. This program in particular is aimed at younger upper primary school children to help improve their preparedness for secondary school. The effect of the Literacy Lab tuition is huge. After only one month of regular attendance at twice-weekly sessions, students are making gains in their literacy development equivalent to an astounding four and a half months.
Our tutors at the Children’s Literacy Charity are professionals and artists. They do a remarkable job reconnecting with the hardest-to-reach kids, giving them the individual focus and care they need to be successful. The charity’s new Story Lab program, aimed at nursery and reception year children, is being piloted. This initiative works to improve children’s attention and communication skills, combatting the growing trend of kids arriving at school lacking these critical aptitudes.
The widening attainment gap—a consequence of the educational disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic—has further highlighted the need for such programs. Research indicates that 57 percent of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are now exiting primary school without meeting age-related expectations for reading. CLS’ programs are specifically designed to bridge this gap. Currently, that gap is the widest it has been in 10 years.
The charity’s leaders are excited by the opportunity this provides to deepen or widen their impact. To do this, it’s released a match funding campaign with the help of Big Give. Each pound you give via the Big Give platform will be doubled — so your support can go even further! It means we can serve more kids than ever before! The campaign is on a mission to raise at least £50,000 by April 5. That’s why reaching this goal will help 50 more children move permanently past their literacy gaps for good.
