Young learners in Middlesbrough start a readvolution thanks to a new skills support project

Delivered in partnership by housing association Thirteen, Kings Academy school and the National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough, the project has brought in volunteer reading mentors to support students to develop their skills and confidence.

A celebration event to mark the launch saw families, partners and volunteers come together to enjoy a range of reading related activities, including a story writing workshop with local author Lisette Auton.

Over 200 books have been donated by the National Literacy Trust to help kickstart the project and inspire students on their reading journey.

Thirteen contributed £500 to the launch event and has led on the recruitment of volunteers.

Jayne Dale, community connector at Thirteen, said: “At Thirteen, we are committed to supporting people in our communities to reach their full potential.

“Through our collaborative work with partners involved in the reading project, we aim to empower students to develop the skills they need to succeed in their school studies and beyond.

“By supporting the learning and personal development of students at Kings Academy, we hope to build a brighter future for them and their wider community.

“We look forward to seeing students grow their love for learning, as well as seeing how the positive impact of the project can extend beyond the classroom.

“Thank you to all of our volunteers who have dedicated their time and skills to help make the project a success.”

As part of the project, students recently enjoyed a trip to Hemlington Library where staff members will be running a programme of activities over the summer to encourage students to continue their reading.

Louise Crosby, teacher and literacy intervention lead at Kings Academy, said: “Our new reading mentor scheme is all about promoting enthusiasm for reading and boosting literacy levels.

“We had a lovely launch event and it was a pleasure to have an author as successful as Lisette join us and help bring it all to life.

“Huge thanks to everyone involved - I’m especially grateful to the partners we’re working with to get the scheme off the ground.

“We really couldn’t deliver it without their fantastic support.”

Student progress will be monitored by the school and shared with partners.

Allison Potter, manager of The National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough, said: “The National Literacy Trust in Middlesbrough is delighted to be supporting the Kings Academy’s initiative to boost literacy by gifting 200 brand new books for their reading mentorship programme.

"We know from our research that three in ten 11-year-olds in Middlesbrough left school last year without the reading skills they need to thrive, rising to more than one in three children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"Initiatives like this one are vital to ensuring that every child has the confidence and literacy skills that are so important throughout secondary school and beyond.”

Thirteen is looking for more volunteer reading mentors to get involved in the project and support students with their reading. Mentors are being asked to commit one hour a week for one school term.

Volunteering is subject to suitability checks and will restart in September.

To register an interest in getting involved in volunteering, email community.resilience@thirteengroup.co.uk.