Schools across the county offering pupils an engaging and active library scheme can be nominated for a Kent Literacy Award.

Libraries create an calming environment for young people who wish to read, or a supportive one for those seeking additional help with their literacy development.

Created to showcase best practice across schools in Kent, Medway and Bexley, the awards recognise teachers, support staff and learning institutions which provide innovative and captivating means to further children’s reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

At the very heart of such learning are library books – whether factual or fictitious – and the Kent Literacy Awards acknowledges the importance of these reading centres with the Best School Library category.

Nominations are still open for the awards, and can be provided by fellow teachers and school staff, management, parents and pupils across the county. However the deadline is fast approaching as all nominations must be received before noon on April 29.

Simon Dolby, chief executive at the KM Charity Team which organises the awards, said: “Libraries and literacy practices share an intrinsic bond which is vital to the next generation’s education. The Best School Library award is one we are very passionate about and would love to see a large quantity of nominations for. If you’d like to congratulate a school for their innovation and dedications, why not submit a nomination today.”

All nominations will be judged by the Kent Literacy Awards panel made up of key partners including School News Group, Hallett & Co., Golding Vision (Part of Golding Homes), The Canterbury Tales, Social Enterprise Kent (SEK), Southern Educational Leadership Trust (SELT), Beanstalk, Three R’s Teacher Recruitment, Kent County Council and Medway Council.

The winners will be invited to an awards celebration evening at Sittingbourne’s Hempstead House Hotel and Spa 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.

All nominations must be received by noon on April 29. To submit one or more, visit www.kentliteracyawards.co.uk