TEACHERS, librarians and literacy advisors are amongst those invited to a conference run by a Bradford charity and dedicated to ‘closing the literacy gap’ this June.

Reading Matters, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, has announced the line-up of expert speakers for its event on June 29, at Bradford City Football Stadium.

Delegates will have the chance to take part in developmental workshops, network with other literacy professionals in children’s reading skills and listen to specialist speakers including education writer and consultant Matt Bromley, Dr Paula Clarke from the University of Leeds’ School of Education and Deborah Bullivant, director of Rotherham-based Grimm & Co’s Apothecary to the Magical.

Also joining the line-up are Rachel Van Riel, director of Opening the Book which specialises in creating inviting library spaces and award-winning author, Andy Seed.

Mr Seed, a former teacher, said: “A child who reads is a young person whose life is on the right track, one who will find doors opening and opportunities expanding in later life. As an author I put all my creative energy into writing books which I know children will enjoy and which can hook those who are disengaged from the written word.

“I’m very much looking forward to meeting people at the forefront of literacy development and to sharing exciting ideas and strategies which can change attitudes and get children reading.”

Reading Matters is a not-for-profit charity and social enterprise specialising in one-to-one reading interventions and provides literacy support and training to schools nationwide.

In the two decades since it was set up in 1997, it has supported thousands of students through its one-to-one programmes.

Last year alone the charity helped more than 6,800 children improve their reading age by an average of 13 months.

The charity trains both adults and young people to become “reading mentors” for children to help boost their literacy levels.

Each year the charity holds a national reading conference, attracting top names from the literacy world, and a fundraising ball. This year’s ball, held in the Midland Hotel, helped raise £20,000 for the charity.

In the past 20 years the charity has worked with local schools and groups such as Bradford Bulls to help boost reading in the city and wider area.

Rachel Kelly, chief executive of the charity, said: “We’re thrilled with the speakers for our ‘Closing the Literacy Gap’ conference and are really looking forward to what promises to be an absorbing and inspiring day.

“Anyone involved in developing children’s literacy development is welcome to attend the conference, there will be a strong focus on practical strategies to help inspire everyone from librarians to teaching assistants and senior leaders achieve the best outcomes for children across all key stages.”

A recent report found 98 per cent of children who took part in a Reading Matters intervention programme showed a “marked improvement” in reading ability. Ninety per cent said it improved their self-esteem and 86 per cent said their attitude to reading improved.

Tickets for the conference cost £100 and include a two-course lunch and goody bag.

To book tickets or find out about exhibiting opportunities visit readingmatters.org.uk or call 01274 692219.