Letterbox Club

A six-month scheme that has boosted reading and writing amongst cared-for children in Cheshire East has proved so successful that it will run again next year.

The Letterbox Club is a national project that involves monthly parcels of books, games and stationery being sent to school pupils’ homes.

A celebration event was held at Monks Coppenhall Primary School in Crewe, on November 11, to mark the end of this innovative project. Crewe MP, Edward Timpson, was the special guest.

The event highlighted the way in which foster carers, schools and other professionals work together in supporting cared-for children both inside and outside of school.

In total eight Year 6 students in Cheshire East were part of the scheme. It helped smooth the transition from Year 5, and also provided them with things to do during the summer holidays.

Funding for next year has already been secured, and the scheme will expand to include cared-for pupils in Year 3 across Cheshire East.

The Letterbox Club was started by Leicester University and is managed by the Booktrust. It aims to raise educational standards among cared-for children and focuses on English and Mathematics.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: “We are always looking at different ways of encouraging children to read more and this scheme has been a big success.

“Cared-for children need all the support and help we can give them, and I am pleased that an expanded scheme will be running again next year.”

Councillor Steve Conquest, ward member for Crewe East, said: "This is an important initiative which helps to raise educational standards for this group of children and I’m delighted that funding has been secured to continue this successful project"

Edward Timpson, Crewe and Nantwich MP, said: “It’s great to see the Letterbox Club  going strong here in Crewe and Nantwich.

“The children here at Monks Coppenhall Primary School told me how much they enjoyed taking part, and their carers saw a significant improvement in the children’s interest and ability in reading.”