By KLTV Newsdesk –

Hundreds of schools set to benefit from dedicated reading spaces as part of literacy drive

Hundreds of primary schools across West Yorkshire are set to receive support to create dedicated reading spaces, thanks to a major new investment unveiled by Mayor Tracy Brabin on Wednesday, 19 June.

In response to what experts are calling a national ‘reading for pleasure’ crisis, where only one in three children say they enjoy reading, the Mayor is delivering on her manifesto pledge to equip every primary school in the region with a fully furnished library and trained staff.

The initiative is part of the national Libraries for Primaries campaign and will initially benefit 83 primary schools currently without library facilities.

The programme, delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and The Julia Rausing Trust, will also provide training and resources to schools more widely.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s success, so it’s a tragedy that children are missing out on the vital opportunity to develop this lifelong skill because they don’t have access to books or a quiet place to read.

“That’s why we’re working in lockstep with the National Literacy Trust to kit out libraries at primary schools across our region.

“It will help us on our mission to give every child the very best start in life, laying the groundwork for a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire with equal opportunity for all to succeed.”

A region-wide commitment to literacy and learning

The campaign forms part of the broader You Can Make It Here programme, which now totals £4.2 million after an extra £1.5 million investment was approved by local leaders this week.

The new funding will support a wide range of initiatives to grow the region’s creative economy, including:

• Greater access to careers in the screen sector for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds

• Improved accessibility for disabled artists and audiences at cultural venues

• More masterclasses and export support for creative freelancers

Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Reading for pleasure is at an all-time low nationwide, and yet so central to a child’s wellbeing, confidence and academic success.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority to bring libraries to primary schools across the region.”

Success stories already emerging

Schools already involved in the Libraries for Primaries pilot have seen powerful results.

Helen Riley, Director of Learning for English and LKS2 at High Crags Primary Leadership Academy in Shipley, shared: “The libraries programme has been revolutionary for our pupils and staff.

“Participating in this training has inspired us to develop a hugely successful culture of loving reading throughout school.

“It has also opened up a wealth of additional opportunities for us to explore and develop further.”

More to come: National rollout on the horizon

The Libraries for Primaries campaign builds on the success of West Yorkshire’s Young Poet Laureate programme, launched in partnership with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage two years ago.

Thousands of young people have taken part since, with a national rollout expected to be announced this summer.

Get involved

West Yorkshire schools interested in joining the initiative can learn more and register their interest at: librariesforprimaries.org.uk/schools

For more about the You Can Make It Here programme, visit: wybusiness-skills.com/business-support/you-can-make-it-here