Leeds's kids are alright with YEP reading scheme

Holy Family Catholic Primary teacher Joanne Nicholson with Harry Boutell, Julia Filipiak and Ava Harley.

Holy Family Catholic Primary in Armley is one of more than a dozen schools across the city taking part in the Make The News 2017 project.

Each child in participating classes is given a booklet filled with activities designed to develop literacy skills.

They also receive copies of the YEP each week for six weeks – and pupils from year four at Holy Family Catholic Primary have been busy using the papers to get the lowdown on events in their home city.

Joanne Nicholson, a teacher at the school, told the YEP: “We have noticed that they have become more engaged with what is happening in the news.

“At first some of the children were not really sure what newspapers were all about, now they are coming in and talking about things they have heard or stories they have read.

“It should definitely be good for their reading skills as they are doing it for their own enjoyment.”

The scheme includes a competition that will see youngsters at participating schools designing their own front pages for the chance to win a visit from a Leeds United player.

YEP editor Hannah Thaxter said: “This project is a fantastic introduction to the world of news for young people.

“It shows how journalists work to find out what’s happening and pass on that information to other people.

“Youngsters seem to love the idea of being reporters and are so creative.

“I can’t wait to see what front page designs they come up with.”

Bailey Kay, Mileana Przydzial and Logan Murphy.

Make The News 2017 is being run by The NEWS Foundation with support coming from Leeds City Council and Child Friendly Leeds.

The scheme follows widespread praise for two similar projects that were organised by the YEP with The NEWS Foundation in 2015 and 2016, Reading Passport and Let’s Read: LEEDS.