12/2/2008

Woking

Turning the page for a new start

Steve Thomas

Far too many of our children are leaving school without the necessary reading and writing skills to lead a successful and fulfilled life.

Last year’s exam results showed that there is a core of five primary schools failing to get enough of their 11-year-olds reading to the required standard.

Steve Thomas, of the Sheerwater and Maybury Partnership, said: “It’s absolutely vital we catch these children as early as possible."

The charity is committed to providing services to help youngsters around Woking and to encourage them to Get Reading.

The partnership aims to provide a book every term for children facing problems at school. It also provides out-of-school reading sessions for children.

Steve added: “For somebody to enter secondary school at age 11 with a reading age of seven is unacceptable.

“It’s happening in every secondary school. Nationally one in five children are coming out of primary school with a reading age significantly below age 11. In Woking it’s nearly double that.

“If we can catch them early and get them excited about books and get them passionate about reading it will make such a difference for the rest of their lives.”

Of course there are a huge number of variables that affect the ability of an area’s youngsters to read or write.

Areas where families speak English as a second language, families with only one parent or which have low incomes often suffer.

Particular areas in Woking that have high numbers of residents who struggle to read and write include Sheerwater, Maybury and Lakeview.

Community learning advisor with Woking Community Learning Partnership, Sian Sangarde-Brown, told the News and Mail about the challenges facing the area.

She said: “Nearly all people in Woking who don’t read or write well are in work and are supporting themselves and their families.

“However, they’re often prevented from promotion, deserved salary increases and training. Family life can suffer and financial difficulties can ensue.”

The reading difficulties of adults are often inherited by their children. Regardless of the hard work of schools, if children are not reading at home they are put at a disadvantage.

“Children of adults who can’t read and write well can easily fall into the same pattern and have low aspirations. For many, not being able to read or write is a source of great shame and most develop techniques to hide behind.”

The Sheerwater and Maybury Partnership relies entirely on donations and volunteers to continue with its work. Call 01483 757931 to help.

First printed in: Woking News and Mail