Breaking down barriers that stop Bradford children from reading

Pupils across five primary schools will be taught how to find the power in reading, writing, and storytelling.

It will also help them deal with their mental wellbeing through words.

Designed to bring literacy to every life, education charity SHINE has handed out £600,000 to introduce ‘The Story Project’ into schools across the city over the next three years.

Staff have already been trained up at Bowling Park Primary School, Horton Park Primary School, Beckfoot Heaton Primary School, Beckfoot Allerton Primary School and Newby Primary school.

A pupil from Beckfoot Heaton Primary School reads a book (Image: SHINE)

Zoe Mawson, headteacher at Beckfoot Heaton Primary School and Nursery, said: “I know the impact for my pupils will be significant because they will love it. We can't wait to see the difference it makes to individuals, classes and the whole community.”

Gareth Baterip, headteacher at Newby Primary School, said: “We know the power of stories as a vehicle to spark thought and imagination – what better way to explore mental health than through storytime.”

The Story Project is the creation of former English teacher Olivia Richards, who was able to develop her ideas after winning a Let Teachers SHINE award in 2019.

Since launching, the project has provided training for more than 500 teachers across the country.

Pupils from Beckfoot Heaton Primary School get stuck into a good book (Image: SHINE)

It has been well received with 90 per cent of teachers reporting an improvement in children’s wellbeing and 76 per cent seeing an improvement in children’s literacy after using the resources.

The pilot project works alongside philanthropists, teachers and schools to tackle the problems holding back children in the North.

Participating schools will receive The Story Project books, training and resources for free.

Teachers will use popular, diverse and engaging children’s stories. 

Pupils from Beckfoot Heaton Primary School are taking part in the pilot (Image: SHINE)

Olivia said: “This is an exciting time to be introducing The Story Project in Bradford. The city has such a rich literary context, with it being the 2025 City of Culture and due to the amazing Literature Festival held in the city every year.

“Training the first five schools has been such a pleasurable experience due to the clear commitment and passion from these schools. 

“We feel very privileged to be able to support schools in their determination to do this and very grateful to SHINE and its donors for enabling us to do this.”

Michelle Blanchard, headteacher at Beckfoot Allerton Primary School and Nursery, said: “Through the power of story, we hope our children will be able to improve their knowledge of many different emotions and apply these in both the school environment and the real world.”