Agenda item

To update the committee on progress made since the launch of the Literacy Strategy.

The Committee received a presentation on the implementation of the Literacy Strategy from Mr Paul Turner, Assistant Director. Mr Turner was accompanied by the Ms Vikki Clarke, Head of Libraries. The presentation outlined the progress made in terms of implementation of the plan since it had been approved by the Executive on the 12 July 2021. Mr Turner reminded members of the rationale behind the development of strategy namely that exam results at GCSE level were low compared to other areas nationally and other similar areas. Adult literacy levels were also low. The Strategy outlined a collaborative effort to improve literacy levels across Blackpool in all age groups, but particularly in the Early Years and through Key Stage 1, with the aim of seeing lasting change in these outcomes. The general aim of the strategy being for every person in Blackpool to have the speaking, reading and writing skills to enable wider learning and employment opportunities as well as access to social and cultural activities.

Mr Turner pointed to the report which highlighted the five key strands of work: teaching and learning, curriculum development, libraries, early years and adult education and the twenty-four overarching recommendations.

Mr Turner highlighted the key improvements driven by the implementation of the Literacy Strategy which highlighted the need to use a range of different methods to address literacy making it a key priority for stakeholders including school leaders in Blackpool.

The development of a strategic group was also highlighted including two eminent professors and the Early Years Task and Finish Group. In response to questions from the Committee, Mr Turner explained that due to the changes in landscape of schools with increased numbers of Academies, it was clear that the Council could not drive improvement alone and needed to engage with a range of stakeholders including the Academy Trusts.  Mr Turner then particularly emphasised the continuing Blackpool 30 reading challenge and reading standards at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) were high throughout the pandemic period. It was then explained that writing had not produce as a strong results and this would be a focus going forward.

Ms Clarke then highlighted some of the initiatives involving Libraries including work with Early Years programmes being embedded in libraries, training for libraries staff, the use of the National Literacy Trust programme for developing reading for pleasure and other engagement strands such as the Young Poets Scheme and the Lancashire Book of the Year.

In response to questions the Committee highlighted its view that the synergy between children’s centres and libraries was a positive. The Committee also expressed a view that there should be a wide range of options to avoid a drop off in reading for young people in key stage 3 and 4 but noted the positive impact of the use of virtual reality story trails and initiatives such as “Get it Loud in Libraries” in challenges pre-conceived ideas.

The Committee expressed a strong view that it needed access to a detailed town-wide data set to consider progress. This data set would include alternative provision, non-GCSE and GCSE results, results at all key stages and engagement levels.

The Committee agreed to support the continued focus upon literacy in Blackpool schools and the wider Blackpool community and ensure that the Strategy is implemented as agreed and to note the current work undertaken by the Libraries Service to support the Literacy Strategy.