Schools supporting the growth of pupils’ skills are eligible for nomination at the Kent Literacy Awards.

Literacy development charity Beanstalk have announced their support for the awards, and are on the lookout for those sowing the seeds to a brighter future.

Malou Bengtsson-Wheeler of Beanstalk, said: “The awards are a fabulous way to spread best practice, and provides the opportunity for all professionals assisting vital reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in children to be commended for their service.”

She added: “These are skills which are truly invaluable to us all; skills which really change lives. I’m extremely proud to be part of an initiative which says thank you to those providing such a gift.”

Designed to showcase the most creative and innovative methods to impassion students, the awards accept nominations from parents, pupils, support staff and management at primary and secondary schools across Kent, Medway and Bexley.

A number of the categories open for nomination include Best School Library, Most inspiring book corner, Best promotion of reading for pleasure, and Most successful program for engaging pupils with English as a second language.

Simon Dolby, chief executive at the KM Charity Team which organises the awards, said: “Schools going the extra mile to support pupils with their literacy skills are preparing them for a more prosperous adult life. The seeds must be sown throughout their education, and we think it is important to recognise those providing such services. That’s what the awards are all about. I really hope people take the time to submit a nomination.”

Beanstalk will join the Kent Literacy Awards judging panel alongside fellow supports Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, School News Group, Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), Kent County Council, Medway Council, Orbit South, Hallett and Co, The Canterbury Tales, Social Enterprise Kent (SEK) and Southern Educational Leadership Trust (SELT).

The winners will be invited to an awards celebration evening at Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne at the end of June.

A summary of all the winning submissions will be published and circulated to every school in the region, further promoting the schemes such schools provide.

To submit one or more nominations before the April 29 deadline, visit www.kentliteracyawards.co.uk