​The People's Postcode Trust has awarded £20,000 to Scottish Book Trust for its Shared Reading programme

Scottish Book Trust has been awarded £20,000 from the People’s Postcode Trust to allow thousands of Scottish primary school children to benefit from a Shared Reading programme.

The programme will be running in 50 schools in five local authorities across the country, involving older pupils reading to younger children.

It is designed to help build young children’s reading and social skills and let them have fun while reading, and at the same time builds older pupils’ confidence as they become a role model for the younger pupils.

The trust is a national charity that shares the benefits of reading with children and adults through a variety of programmes designed to promote a lifelong love of books.

There are many issues associated with illiteracy, and children who are able to read confidently have a better chance of doing well at school and later in life. 13,000 children leave primary school every year without the ability to read fluently, linked to poverty.

The Shared Reading project will focus particularly on struggling or more reluctant readers, especially in schools located in areas of high deprivation.

The programme begins this month and will last six months, benefitting at least 2,500 children. Schools participating in the programme will be given free books and resources, and older pupils will receive training in storytelling. Teachers will also have professional development training.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of the Scottish Book Trust, said: “The Shared Reading programme brings so many benefits to schools and the wider community by finding a route into reading that helps the reader and listener.

“It is a great way to engage children in the enjoyment of books, while subtly boosting other important life skills such as confidence and forging links with others in their community.”

The programme will have a lasting impact beyond the six months, as schools will be able to keep the books and teacher resources to use for future children.

Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Our players will be delighted to learn of this fantastic project being supported by their funding. Literacy is incredibly important, and so many children will be supported by this great initiative.”

People’s Postcode Trust is a charity that awards grants of up to £20,000 funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.