Literacy aid for poorer children

AN army of experts is being drafted in to help every child living below the breadline in Sheffield overturn the link between poverty and levels of literacy.

Research has revealed child poverty has a huge effect on literacy and language development, and with one in five families in Sheffield living in poverty, the city council is trying to boost children’s reading, writing and communication skills.

The city has been running a campaign to make Every Sheffield Child Articulate and Literate (ESCAL) and as part of this, voluntary Communication Ambassadors are being brought in to help families to support children’s communication development in the home.

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Already 30 of these ambassadors are working and now the council has signed up 20 more, who will start in September.

The ambassadors have been recruited and trained by I CAN, the national communication charity, at no financial cost to the council.

Councillor Jackie Drayton, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said: “It is so important we do everything we can to get everyone involved in helping the next generation thrive.

“Without this vital input from these ambassadors a number of children would be struggling with even grasping the basics in reading and writing, let alone communication skills. It is essential that we act now in order to prevent problems escalating in the future.

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“We need to give children every chance to get the best possible start in life. I whole-heartedly support these communication ambassadors and thank I CAN for helping us with this vital support.”

Virginia Beardshaw, Chief Executive of I CAN added: “Communication skills are critical for a child’s success at school, at work and in life.

“By helping babies, toddlers and young children to learn to speak, listen and understand, we can ensure they start school in the best possible position.”