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Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings

Instant Libraries for four local primary schools

KPMG donates Instant Libraries to four primary schools in Hastings supporting most vulnerable children during lockdown. The initiative was supported by a trio of bestselling children’s authors and illustrators.

From today, four primary schools in Hastings and St Leonards that remain open for vulnerable children and children of keyworkers will receive a brand new Instant Library from KPMG, the National Literacy Trust and the Hastings Literacy Hub.

Each school will receive 30 brand new books published by Penguin Random House as well as engaging and entertaining reading and writing activities that can be used in the classroom and at home. Schools will also receive National Literacy Trust membership, giving teachers access to hundreds of inspiring resources, school improvement tools and online training for one year.

The initiative is being launched by a trio of bestselling and award-winning children’s authors and illustrators: Sam Copeland, Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola. Their hugely popular titles, Charlie Changes into a Chicken (by Sam Copeland, illustrated by Sarah Horne) and Look Up! (by Nathan Bryon, illustrated by Dapo Adeola), will be included in every Instant Library for children to enjoy. What’s more, when schools reopen and social distancing measures allow, the trio will also visit a number of lucky schools to bring stories to life and inspire children to fall in love with reading.

Sam Copeland said: “With the whole country stuck at home in lockdown, being able to travel to different, exciting, wonderful or bonkers worlds through the power of stories has been brilliant. But we know there are thousands of children all over the country who don’t have easy access to these life changing and life affirming tales. That’s why I’m really proud to be an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust and KPMG’s Instant Libraries initiative and I can’t wait to get out to see the libraries in action and chat to the kids enjoying their new adventures this Autumn.”

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that school libraries have the power to enrich children’s literacy skills, academic achievements and mental wellbeing [1], yet only half of primary schools serving disadvantaged communities in the UK have one [2]. This initiative hopes to bring comfort and inspiration to children in Hastings and St Leonards during this uncertain time through the power of stories.

Jonathan Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “There has never been a more important time to get books into the hands of the children who need them most. KPMG’s Instant Libraries and support from the incredible Sam Copeland, Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola  is sure to inspire children’s creativity, nurture a love of reading and provide comfort to vulnerable children during this time of uncertainty.”

The initiative kick starts KPMG’s Reading the Future campaign which celebrates the firm’s 150th anniversary and marks its longstanding commitment to transforming disadvantaged communities through literacy, education and skills. As part of the campaign, KPMG will donate 150 Instant Libraries to primary schools in disadvantaged communities across the UK in 2020, gifting a total of 4,500 brand new books and helping 22,500 children discover a love of reading.

The National Literacy Trust’s Family Zone, supported by KPMG, is also providing all families with free digital books, exclusive author videos and engaging literacy activities to keep children engaged, entertained and learning during school closures. Visit literacyfamilyzone.org.uk for more.

To find out more about the National Literacy Trust Hub in Hastings visit literacytrust.org.uk/hastings

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Posted 07:07 Sunday, May 31, 2020 In: Literature

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