Grants available to support literacy

More than 20 county councillors are providing funds to subsidise Primary schools signing up to use Buster's Book Club this autumn.

The KM and KCC supported initiative provides a triple challenge that has proven engaging even for reluctant boy readers.

Pupils compete for the Reading Class of the Week trophy and once a month an inter-school challenge rewards the top or most improved class in each district with entry vouchers to locations including Leeds Castle and Silver Blades ice skating rink.

The final part of the triple challenge involves children collectively reading more than a million minutes and earning the status of Reading Millionaires. Last academic year 2.8 million minutes were achieved by participating children and families.

A quarter of the elected members on the county council have agreed to provide funding to subsidise schools in their electoral divisions to enable them to sign up to Buster's Book Club. The councillors are providing a total fund of subsidies amounting to more than £10k.

Subsidies are available on a first-come, first-served basis so schools should contact the KM Charity Team which delivers the initiative to find out if they are eligible.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: "To have this level of support from elected members shows the strength of backing Buster's Book Club has within the council and education department, for which we are very grateful."

The KM Group, which has newspapers, KMFM radio station and KentOnline website, has announced that 2017 will be its Year of Reading. A key part of the campaign will be supporting Buster's Book Club and so schools involved have a chance to have their involvement showcased through the media company.

For more information or to download the information brochure visit the Buster's Book Club website

Contact Details

Simon Dolby
Telephone: 07989 164752
Email: sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk