Hastings teacher says reading programme could be blueprint to tackle UK reading crisis
The LitUp programme has increased children's reading enjoyment by over 70% across Sussex.
A Hastings teacher has praised a local reading programme, LitUp, as a potential solution to the UK's declining interest in reading among children.
In Hastings, East Sussex, the scheme has seen significant success, with seven in ten pupils expressing increased enthusiasm for reading.
This local initiative comes as the UK faces a significant challenge, with reading for enjoyment among children at a 20-year low.
The LitUp programme, developed by Bloomsbury Publishing and the National Literacy Trust (NLT), has been active in six Hastings primary schools over four years, from 2022 to this year, targeting pupils from Year 3 onwards.
It incorporates author visits, family reading sessions, teacher training, and enhanced book access to encourage independent exploration of books.
Rebecca McNally from Bloomsbury Publishing explained, "LitUp works because it presents reading as something fun, not just something that is 'good for you'”.
The initiative not only increased reading enjoyment but also improved reading frequency for children previously less engaged.
Nicki Duckett, a teacher from Silverdale Primary Academy, noted, "It's really helped foster a love of reading," highlighting the programme’s positive impact on classroom discussions and activities.
Why Reading Matters
Nicki Duckett commented on the significance of reading, stating, "If children aren't reading, they're not exploring those other worlds… it has a knock-on effect on their general education."
Notably, 31% of children who did not consider themselves good readers at the start of the programme now see themselves as more confident readers.
The programme's impact extends beyond individual schools, marking a shift in regional attitudes towards reading.
Expansion and Future Impact
Following its success in Hastings, the LitUp programme has recently expanded to a secondary school in Burgess Hill, East Sussex, aiming to support Year 7 students during their transition to secondary education.
Jason Vit, Assistant Director at the NLT, emphasised the importance of sustained investment, saying, "Partnerships are crucial to our work… the impact of this multi-year programme shows the value of long-term support."
Teachers and parents have witnessed significant changes, with children engaging more with books and authors, and carrying that enthusiasm home.
Parents are encouraged to explore alternative reading forms, such as graphic novels and audiobooks, to boost reading interest among children.
Nicki Duckett added, "It's about getting children to enjoy stories in whatever format that might be."