Coronavirus in Yorkshire: Charities helping parents and children as schools close

In response to school closures an education charity, which runs local campaigns in Bradford, Doncaster and on the North Yorkshire Coast to raise literacy rates, is offering resources to help families in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
By Ruth Dacey
Published 20th Mar 2020, 14:58 BST
Updated 20th Mar 2020, 15:04 BST

The National Literacy Trust launched a free comprehensive online zone today for parents seeking ideas and guidance for activities that will engage their children at home, while also benefiting their reading, writing and language development.

It comes after the government announced that all schools across the country would close their doors from Friday, March 20, until further notice as a response to the coronavirus pandemic.

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Schools will close to everyone except vulnerable children, and those with a parent identified as a key worker.

Little ones, aged five and under, attending a free storytelling event at Meadowhall as part of the attractions partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Photo credit: otherLittle ones, aged five and under, attending a free storytelling event at Meadowhall as part of the attractions partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Photo credit: other
Little ones, aged five and under, attending a free storytelling event at Meadowhall as part of the attractions partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Photo credit: other
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The charity has drawn on it's expertise and partnerships with teachers, authors, publishers, educational organisations and corporates.

Local families can access engaging reading and writing activities, book lists, videos, audiobooks, competitions and reading challenges, curated for early years to early teens.

Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “During these unprecedented times, we want to ensure that every parent across the UK has access to a wide range of exciting activities that will engage their children at home, whilst also supporting their literacy development."

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He added: "From live story time with incredible children’s authors to building your very own reading den at home – our Family Zone has something for everyone.”

Explore the National Literacy Trust’s Family Zone here: literacyfamilyzone.org.uk

Related topics:North YorkshireBradfordDoncasterSchools

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