A Salford author with more than three decades of teaching experience is calling for schools to “make reading exciting” for children amid plans for extra literacy funding.
Sylvia Edwards, a Salford based author spoke about a new nationwide investment that will boost schools in Salford financially to encourage reading.
With more than 30 years of teaching experience across multiple areas, Sylvia has seven books on the educational development of children, including ‘Becoming a reader’ – a book for parents to encourage reading for their children.
In October, plans were revealed to give Salford secondary schools between £450 and £1,400 to to improve their libraries with books, eBooks, audiobooks or other reading materials.
Sylvia said: ”We want children to become immersed in stories that help them connect with other people and the characters they are reading.
”We need to bring back reading into focus. We need to make reading exciting for kids, we want them to open a book, find something in there that grips them.”
Sylvia has also reacted on the low literacy rates in Salford compared to the national average, bringing a different angle to the issue:
“I think we need to involve parents more than ever,” she said.
”Parents are so important and schools need them. And yet we don’t involve the parents, especially of children who are struggling in school. We need to get that great partnership going, schools and parents together.”
According to National Literacy Trust figures released in 2024, only two in five children in the North West say that they enjoy reading in their free time.
“I think we need to just make these young people feel comfortable. Help them to see that there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Because the reason why they can’t read or write are not always to do with them,” she added.
”It’s that engagement between teacher and learner that’s important. That’s what we’ve got to get.”
The National Literacy Trust launched a 10-year project in Salford in 2024 to encourage reading across the city.
Trust chief executive Jonathan Douglas said: ”The National Literacy Trust welcomes the investment in secondary school libraries.
”Well-resourced libraries spark curiosity, build confidence, and nurture lifelong reading habits. Investment in school libraries can transform outcomes and boost life chances, particularly in communities facing literacy challenges.
”Alongside the ongoing commitment to fund a library in every primary school – a rollout we’re partnering with the government to deliver – this is a positive step towards ensuring every child has the opportunity to discover a love of reading.
”Together, we can ensure that every child, wherever they live, has the tools they need to thrive and benefit from the life-changing power of reading.”
Salford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey has also welcomed the funding on her social media accounts.
She said: ”Reading opens doors, builds confidence and gives young people access to new ideas and opportunities.”
Families, groups or schools wanted to be involved can email salford@literacytrust.org.uk
