Teach First is now offering the new NPQ in Leading Literacy (NPQLL), which gives aspiring leaders the opportunity to develop a whole-school literacy strategy. Former primary literacy lead Janette shares her experience of the role, and why literacy is so important for primary school students at this crucial stage of their development.
I have always loved books, particularly children’s books. As a primary school teacher, I wanted to share this passion with children, hoping they would fall in love with English as much as I did. Initially this involved sharing wonderful stories with the classes I taught; later, this grew into sharing it across the whole school. So naturally, I soon took on the role of literacy lead.
I saw this role as having two clear aims: to improve literacy standards to give our children decent life chances, but to also get them to enjoy and value reading and writing. Good standards in literacy matter; without good literacy skills, learning in any subject is seriously compromised and life chances are diminished.
Many of our year six children were poor readers and did not enjoy reading books. Therefore, the role of literacy lead was a particularly important (and quite a challenge).
