The National Literacy Trust has a proud history of delivering successful literacy outcomes in schools. A good example of this is Premier League Reading Stars which is a reading intervention that uses the motivational power of sport to raise reading levels for under-achieving Year 5 and 6 pupils.

SHINE are supporting the National Literacy Trust to deliver a football-focused literacy programme in primary schools in Greater Manchester, as part of the Read Manchester campaign. National Literacy Trust research shows that children who read daily outside out of school are five times more likely to read above the expected level for their age than those who never read outside of school. Read Manchester is a partnership between Manchester City Council and the National Literacy Trust to promote reading and boost literacy throughout the city. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of reading and its power to transform children’s lives, through partnerships with the community, including schools, businesses, libraries and public services.

SHINE is currently supporting the National Literacy Trust to offer 100 primary schools across Greater Manchester CPD training events for primary school Teachers to help them deliver sports-related literacy programmes to their pupils, and look at issues surrounding boys’ literacy. Schools across the City are encouraged to access the new Premier League Primary Stars resources, which includes the 10-week Premier League Reading Stars intervention. Participating schools will also receive up to 3,000 free books, and there will be events in partnership with Manchester United, Manchester City and the National Football Museum which bring together pupils, authors and football to celebrate reading.

We’re looking forward to seeing how this project helps support more children to read and excel in literacy. For more information about the types of programmes SHINE supports, please visit the What We Do page.