The KM Charity Team is calling for an end to the scandal of Kent children moving on to secondary school without basic literacy skills.

The charity’s CEO Simon Dolby highlighted this issue on his ‘Simon Says’ blog where he said that “96 per cent of employment opportunities require a basic level of literacy skills”. He added the problem must be tackled to “give the next generation the opportunities they deserve and our county the economic boost it needs”.

The KM Charity Team is well known for its walk to school projects for primary schools however last academic year it added literacy services to its portfolio. The pilot for its reading scheme Buster’s Book Club succeeded beyond all expectations - achieving half a million minutes of reading - and sign-ups for the scheme’s official roll-out this year have again exceeded the charity’s hopes with an impressive 40 schools taking part rather than the target of 25.

Mr Dolby said the initiative, which encourages youngsters to spend more time reading at home, will make a significant difference to the future of thousands of children in Kent and Medway and that he was “excited about the impact Buster’s Book Club will make to our schools and families involved”.

Supporters of Buster’s Book Club include Kent County Council, Medway Council, Golding Homes, The Ernest Cook Trust, Mini Babybel, Orbit South, Specsavers, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment and Leeds Castle.

Mr Dolby also called for businesses and organisations to support the KM Charity Team’s high profile work in raising literacy levels in primary schools across the county.

To view the original article and other updates on the ‘Simon Says’ blog go to www.kmcharityteam.co.uk/charitysupport/blogs/.

Schools interested in joining the Buster’s Book Club literacy scheme should visit www.bustersbookclub.co.uk.