A children’s literacy charity has made a final appeal for nominations for the Kent Literacy Awards with just days left before the deadline.

Beanstalk, which helps children to learn to read, is backing the competition to find the most effective reading and writing schemes in the county’s schools. But pupils, parents, guardians and school staff must nominate before the deadline of Monday (May 1).

Kate Rumsby of Beanstalk said: “The Kent Literacy Awards are a really fantastic opportunity to showcase and champion those literacy initiatives that are having a really positive impact on children’s learning in schools across Kent.”

The awards celebrate the most exciting themes and projects used by schools to help pupils build key communication skills that will set them up for life.

Nominations for the Kent Literacy Awards can be submitted by anyone associated with the school being nominated including staff, volunteers, children and their guardians. The 18 categories include Best Use of Drama, Best Use of Art or Poetry, and Most Inspiring Book Corner.

Winning schools will be invited to an awards celebration evening at Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne attended by Phil Gallagher, star of CBeebies’ Mister Maker.

This year, children can submit online or handwritten book reviews for the chance to meet Phil at the Kent Literacy Awards. To find out more, click HERE.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team said: “The awards shine a spotlight on the schemes that are resonating with pupils and getting them excited about communication whether it’s reading, writing, listening or speaking.”

He added: “Winning an award is a real pat on the back to the school as well as a wonderful opportunity to share best practice. The best schemes will be collated, published and circulated to every school in Kent, Medway and Bexley.”

The awards are supported by organisations including Kent County Council, Medway Council, Bexley Council, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Golding Vision, McCabe Ford Williams, KM Facilities Management, KMFM, Orbit South, AC Goatham and Son, Whitefriars, Specsavers, and Kent Libraries.

Visit www.kentliteracyawards.co.uk to nominate before May 1.