A children’s charity is calling for schools to share the secrets of their successes in keeping kids learning during lockdown.

The best innovations will be showcased in the brand-new Home School Literacy Initiative category of the Kent Literacy Awards 2020.

The awards, run by the KM Charity Team, are open to nominations from primary, secondary and special schools until Friday, October 9.

Alongside virtual and remote-learning initiatives introduced between March and July this year, the awards will recognise school-based endeavours to excite children about reading for pleasure, creative writing, public speaking and classroom debate.

Schools will be praised for best use of IT, drama, art or poetry in promoting child literacy, along with programmes that engage pupils with English as a second language.

Mike Ward, CEO of the KM Charity Team, said: “Reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are fundamental to learning, self-expression, interpersonal skills and mental wellbeing.

“We are proud to honour schools improving young people’s life chances and to share their best practice far and wide. I urge every school to nominate.”

School staff can submit entries online at www.KentLiteracyAwards.co.uk

Due to disruption caused by COVID-19 the nomination deadline has been extended to October 9, and winning initiatives will be revealed at a virtual ceremony.

The awards are run by KM Charity Team as part of its work with schools supporting child literacy and green travel. Find out more at www.KMCharityTeam.co.uk

Organisations backing the awards include Kent County Council, Medway Council, Golding Homes, KM Facilities Management, Blessings by Blé, Hempstead House Hotel, and The Education People.