The National Year of Reading is a DCFS backed initiative to promote the importance of reading in the life of the nation. (“It will help build a greater national passion for reading.” Ed Balls, Minister) There are five key principles articulated as to how reading in the home is most effectively developed. This is when:

1. agencies work together in partnership with parents and other family members
2. enjoyment of reading is linked with helping children and young people achieve their potential
3. the reading and literacy of each family’s culture is valued and the support offered is flexible to suit each family’s needs
4. it is supported by a co-ordinated local approach
5. engaging families with reading is integrated into strategic planning

The target audiences are:

• early years
• boys
• teenagers (KS3)
• Looked after Children
• BME
• Disabled children (and parents)

There are many websites that give further information about the National Year of Reading and among the best are the following:

The Education Minister Ed balls and the Prime Minister launch the campaign – YouTube

Famous personalities advertise the campaign - YouTube

The official website of the campaign is www.yearofreading.org.uk

The best site for in depth support for many aspects of promoting reading is The Reading Agency.

This site is really useful for highlighting the key to successful reading – enjoying it!. Go to www.enjoyingreading.org.uk for some terrific ideas.

If you have other information that you think would be helpful to other people using this page please send it to rmkirk@onetel.net

Thank you.