Scheme to improve reading for poor children launched in Wales
A UK children's charity has launched a new scheme to help disadvantaged schoolchildren get the best possible chance at a good education.
Save the Children has set up five Families and Schools Together (FAST) schemes across Cardiff and Caerphilly in Wales which aim to encourage schools to spend more time and money on poorer children.
Facilities dealing with those from disadvantaged backgrounds will also work to encourage parents to get involved in reading. It is hoped that this will allow the children to gain more enjoyment from the time spent learning out of school.
James Pritchard, head of Save the Children in Wales, said: "Save the Children is convinced the FAST model could be one part of the jigsaw – bringing together family, home, school and community to increase family wellbeing and improve a child's performance at school."
He added that the scheme will aim to reduce the number of children leaving school with five or fewer average GCSEs – which currently stands at 50 per cent for pupils from poorer backgrounds.
A project was also launched at Cadwyn Housing Association in Cardiff earlier this week to give a book to a child once every month in an effort to encourage them to enjoy reading.
