Ealing Broadway hosts storytelling events for local schools

More than 245 children in Ealing took part in storytelling sessions aimed at inspiring a love of reading as new research reveals that reading for pleasure among 8-18-year-olds in the UK is at its lowest level since 2005 – time for almost two decades. . *

According to the National Literacy Trust, reading for pleasure is proven to build a child’s confidence and make them feel happy and relaxed**, yet only 40% of children and young people in Ealing say they enjoy reading in their free time.

The event was organized and hosted by Ealing Broadway as part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative between its owner British Land and the National Literacy Trust, which aims to encourage children to read outside the classroom.

Children from Oldfield Primary, West Twyford Primary and West Acton Primary enjoyed a performance by a professional storyteller and took part in a range of fun activities including a quiz in Ealing Library and film trailer viewings in the Ealing Project cinema. Each child was also given a book of their choice to take home for free, the third book this year as part of the wider programme.

2024 marks the thirteenth year of British Land’s partnership with the National Literacy Trust, and since the program launched on Ealing Broadway, it has supported over 2,804 school children and seen over 8,400 books donated across Ealing.

The Young Readers Program is specifically designed to provide additional support and help the development of children from disadvantaged areas by giving them better access to books. National Literacy Trust research found that fewer young people who received free school meals (FSM) said they enjoyed reading compared to their peers who did not receive free school meals (39.5% FSM vs 43.8% non-FSM).

Andrew Rollings, Center Director at Ealing Broadway, said: “Supporting our community is at the heart of what we do, so we are incredibly proud of the Young Readers Program and all the local children and families we have been able to support – over many years. .

“It’s such a rewarding initiative when we hear how children are inspired by the stories and activities and see how excited they are to take their own book home. This is a program that truly makes a difference and we are so excited to be a part of it for another brilliant year.”

Martin Galway, head of school programs at the National Literacy Trust, said: “Instilling a love of reading can change a child’s life. It can inspire children’s imaginations, provide comfort and escape, build confidence and support improved literacy skills, which are the foundation of all learning.

“Through the Young Readers programme, we have worked with British Land for the past 13 years, giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience exciting storytelling events and to choose and keep books that speak to their interests and passions .

“Our aim is to inspire a love of books and reading that will stay with them forever, which in turn will give them the literacy and essential life skills they need to succeed and achieve their own goals. “

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