Making the news in Leeds with help of your YEP

St Philip’s Catholic Primary in Middleton 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 year six pupils at St Philip’s have been using their special deliveries to gain a better understanding of the problems facing some people in Leeds.

Hannah Taylor, deputy head at the school, told the YEP: “Taking part in the project has really motivated the children and they have thoroughly enjoyed finding out about local news.

“We have used the newspapers to teach the children about justice based issues and to see how people within their community are supporting others in need this Christmas.”

The scheme includes a competition that asks youngsters at participating schools to design 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.”

Make The News 2017 is being run by The NEWS Foundation with support coming from Leeds City Council and Child Friendly Leeds. Other schools taking part include Holy Family Catholic Primary in Armley, Asquith Primary in Morley and Cookridge Primary.