www.nla.org.uk

The National Literacy Association (NLA) is a charity working to eliminate illiteracy amongst children and young people. We want every child to be able to communicate with confidence and enjoyment through speech, technology and the written word and we work towards this by:
 

Working in partnership with a range of organisations to support children’s literacy needs. Doing pioneering practical work in schools, with children in public care, parent groups and the wider community. We use books and technology to inspire young people to improve their reading and writing skills. Producing publications and resources which include the annual Guide to Literacy Resources (sponsored by the NUT), Famous Faces Dyslexia posters, Reading Adventure Passports (sponsored by NASUWT) and children’s bookmarks. SOME CURRENT PROJECTS: BELIEVE IN ME We have just finished working with the Who Cares? Trust to produce a training video, Believe in Me, for designated teachers who work with looked after children in schools. Our previous media productions include Breaking their Fall in which looked after children spoke of their educational experiences.

REAL
Raising Expectations and Achievement in Literacy. This project is currently based in two inner city schools in Birmingham and builds on the success of the previous REAL project (run jointly with Birmingham Partnership for Change) which ran in three schools and involved more than 250 children. The project currently provides each child with a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), interactive whiteboards have been installed in all teaching rooms and teachers have been trained in their use. It is hoped that this model project (supported by Birmingham LACIT and Aston Pride) will both help more children in years 5 and 6 to achieve Level 4 and above in KS2 SATs and provide a model for future IT support for literacy (and across the curriculum).

TIME FOR CHILDREN
NLA, The Who Cares? Trust, Volunteer Reading Help and TimeBank have joined forces in a three year initiative to recruit volunteers to read with looked after children in their residential homes or in school if they are fostered. The project has been a great success in the North West and is now rolling out to the West Midlands.
 

HAMPSHIRE RIGHT TO READ PROJECT The NLA currently provides new books, bookmarks, Reading Adventure Passports and posters for the children in 8 Children’s Homes in the County. We hope to promote literacy and enjoyment of reading by providing a book rich environment. The Project Worker (funded by Hampshire Social Services) is also working on a scheme of accreditation for those homes which positively encourage reading.

GUIDE TO LITERACY RESOURCES
This annual publication, sponsored by the NUT, goes out, free of charge to most schools in England and Wales. The guide gives independent assessments of books and software from over 80 publishers and gives clear and invaluable information about content, how the product could be most effectively used and who might most enjoy it.

THE FUTURE

• A major action research project investigating the direct relationship of poor literacy to crime.

• More work with looked after children, promoting and encouraging enjoyment of reading and writing.

• Working to build a community of reading amongst disaffected boys of secondary school age.

• Campaigning to increase the number of books in schools.

• Provision of Reading Road shows to inspire and excite established Medias.

‘The work of the NLA is of national importance – promoting the liberating role of literacy in the lives of all children, especially some of the most disadvantaged.’ Bel Mooney.

If you are interested in finding out more about our work contact us at:
 

National Literacy Association 1st Floor Leonard House 321 Bradford Street Birmingham B5 6ET

Tel: 0121 622 5143 Fax: 0121 622 5143 Email: nla@argonet.co.uk Web: www.nla.org.uk

www.nla.org.uk