Parents 'champions' to improve literacy skills in Bradford

Parents and children designed their own superheroes and comic strips

Nearly a third of children in Bradford left school unable to read at expected standards last year, official figures show, while the district has been identified as a Department for Education (DfE) Opportunity Area.

Now a scheme has been launched with local schools in three areas, supporting parents to become more involved in learning at school and at home.

Community volunteers are to partner with families in Keighley, Bowling and Tong for a six-week programme of activities such as coffee mornings and family reading groups.

The goal, the National Literacy Trust has said, is to give parents an understanding of the support they can give to their child’s literacy, as well as inspiration for learning at home.

“Parents and guardians play such an important role in their children’s learning and outcomes,” said Imran Hafeez, project lead and manager of Bradford Stories which is running the scheme. “Their engagement is a more powerful force for academic success than other family background such as social class, family size, and level of parental education.”

As a DfE Opportunity Area, Bradford benefits from additional funding aimed at improving social mobility and unlocking potential.

The Inspiring Parents scheme, is set up by Bradford Stories, a campaign from the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford, and is aimed at children aged nine to 11. Launch events have been held over recent days in Holme Wood and Keighley, with families invited to design superhero comic strips, write newspaper front pages, and hear from author James Nicol.

“We hope that we are able to learn about what works, for different parents. And through it, to put it motion some key models to leave a lasting legacy in these areas,” adds Mr Hafeez.