Gloucestershire launches ambitious project for children's literacy
Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading aims to create a county-wide movement to boost children's reading
Gloucestershire is embarking on an ambitious project aimed at boosting children's literacy across the county.
The initiative, known as Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading, brings together four key organisations: charities Read With Me, Read for Good, Cheltenham Festivals, and Gloucestershire County Council.
The project coincides with the National Year of Reading and seeks to ensure all children in Gloucestershire have the opportunity to develop strong reading skills, fostering a lifelong love of reading.
Backed by libraries, family hubs, schools, literacy charities, and bookshops, the initiative aims to establish a county-wide movement to transform how reading is perceived and discussed.
The project will offer accessible activities and resources for schools, young people, and their families.
To kick off the project, Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading has commissioned a comprehensive listening exercise regarding reading attitudes among local youth.
The report features insights from 6,615 children and young people across 58 educational settings in Gloucestershire, spanning Reception to post-16.
It reveals a consistent desire across all age groups for more time to read at school, better choice in reading materials, and calm, supportive environments.
Children are advocating for the protection and expansion of everyday conditions that make reading enjoyable and self-directed.
Findings indicate that although children start school with a passion for reading, enjoyment can wane as they age, with reading becoming perceived more as schoolwork rather than a pleasurable activity.
Education and skills cabinet member Linda Cohen said: “This campaign builds on the great tradition of reading in Gloucestershire.
“We want to encourage everyone in our communities to get involved, making time to enjoy reading and giving children and young people the opportunity to discover the books that they will love.”
Throughout the year, themed book club sessions known as ‘Stay and Read’ will be held after school and in family hubs, facilitated by volunteers and attended by children and their families.
Local legend and children’s author Tweedy the Clown will lend support by leading these sessions.
More activities are planned in collaboration with Gloucestershire Libraries.