The Kent Literacy Awards were launched at a formal event on Friday, March 3 and key partners came out to voice their support.

Designed to showcase the most creative and inventive methods used to inspire students to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, the awards accept nominations from parents, pupils, support staff and management at primary and secondary schools.

Beanstalk county manager for Kent, Malou Bengtsson-Wheeler said: “As a children’s literacy charity Beanstalk is really proud to be part of the KM Charity Literary Awards. I know that in the last three years we have seen some absolutely amazing literacy initiatives across Kent and Medway. The literacy awards give people, not only a chance to celebrate literacy but also to share and disseminate good practice across the county.”

Leah McDonald of Three R’s Recruitment added: “Reading is so important and this award encourages parents to get more involved which can only be a good thing. Children will then be able to take a sense of pride in reading and sharing their literacy skills.”

With a wide number of categories open for nomination all literacy initiatives are able to be recognised.

Simon Dolby, chief executive at the KM Charity Team which organise the awards, said: “We believe it is vital to commend hard-working school staff for gifting pupils with skills that will render their lives.”

Key partners and attendees included, Kent County Council (KCC), Medway Council, Beanstalk, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Golding Homes, AC Goatham and Son, Kent Libraries, McCabe Ford Williams and Whitefriars.

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 May 1 deadline,

visit www.kentliteracyawards.co.uk