Schools offering students an active environment for debate are eligible for a Kent Literacy Award.

The scheme organised by the KM Charity Team searches the county for learning establishments providing innovative methods of progressive pupils’ reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

Topics of popular discussion concern politics, ethics and the media, but whatever matter might be at hand, school staff can be nominated in the Best Speaking or Debating Club category.

Nominations are still open but time is running out as the April 29 deadline is fast approaching.

Nominations are accepted from teachers, support staff, management, pupils and parents, and more than one can be submitted. The awards offer a wide selection of additional nomination categories including Best Circle Time and Most Engaging Writing Competition or Theme.

Simon Dolby, chief executive at the KM Charity Team, said: “Children partaking in speaking and debating clubs are not only furthering their knowledge and insight of current affairs, but also exercising their core literacy skills which will support them dramatically throughout adulthood.”

He added: “The awards are designed to thank schools for their creativity and passion in providing the next generation with vital education processes. If you’d like to recognise a school for their efforts, submit a nomination before the deadline.”

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

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

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