In a world of text speak and tablets, it is more important than ever before to build communication skills for the next generation, says a key partner of the Kent Literacy Awards.

The awards need your nominations to showcase initiatives that are making a real difference to the success of your school – but the deadline is fast approaching.

You’ve got until next Tuesday, April 28 to tell us what literacy schemes and projects are working well in the classroom.

Robin Evans of Clarkson Wright and Jakes Ltd, which is backing the awards, said: “Initiatives to develop communication skills are key to all children, especially in the digital age.

“We know from our specialist involvement in the Academies sector that more and more aspects of our daily lives are becoming influenced by communication through tablets and mobiles, and if we’re not careful we are at risk of creating a generation without the vital speaking and listening skills that are developed through literacy and comprehension at an early age.”

Categories include best use of IT, best writing topic, best use of art or drama, best library, and best book week theme.

Nominations are welcome from pupils, parents or school staff and the winning schemes will be published and distributed to schools across Kent, Medway and Bexley.

Maggie Roger of Southern Educational Leadership Trust (SELT) said: “The four skills of literacy: speaking and listening, reading and writing are gifts for life. They are the key to a brighter future and to self esteem and personal happiness.

“We are supporting the Kent Literacy Awards to ensure that children can become confident learners and hopefully achieve more than they ever thought possible.”

The winners will be revealed at an awards celebration held at Hempstead House Hotel, Sittingbourne on Tuesday, June 23.

The awards are also supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, Mini Babybel, Specsavers, The Ernest Cook Trust, Orbit South, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Leeds Castle, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Beanstalk, Canterbury Tales, and Social Enterprise Kent.

To nominate, visit www.kmcharityteam.co.uk and click on the ‘Kent Literacy Awards’ link or click HERE before April 28.