CLPE
The grant recipient
CLPE (the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education) is a registered charity. It is one of the only independent specialist literacy centres in the UK and has provided advice, consultancy, research and publications in language and literacy education for over 45 years.
the Family Literacy programme
What it aims to do
- raise levels of enjoyment and achievement in writing for key stage 2 children who have a history of underperformance in literacy
- provide parents with the skills and confidence to support their child’s writing development
How it works
CLPE works in partnership with primary schools who have a proven commitment to wider parental links and where there are children who underachieve due to factors beyond the school’s control.
Families are invited to attend a programme of 12 one-day workshops. Literacy specialists run a morning session for adults and during the afternoon children join their parents to work on projects together. The course content includes:
- the theory and practice of creative writing
- identifying learning styles
- developing interactive story-telling techniques
- using digital media
- strategies to encourage writing
Results
Children’s progress is measured through writing samples and school based assessment.
Results from a pilot project showed that the joint involvement of parent, child and school in the writing process led to increased motivation and higher achievement for children.
- Children’s attitudes towards writing and enjoyment of it improved as did also their self esteem and perception of themselves as learners.
- Children’s knowledge and confidence about stories increased from hearing them read aloud.
The funding and replication
This programme has been piloted in two schools and SHINE is funding all the costs associated with rolling it out to additional schools in the London boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth and Wandsworth.
Funding: £59,890 to CLPE, over two years (2007-09)
Visit CLPE's website:http://www.clpe.co.uk
"Parental involvement in the schooling of children between the ages of seven and 16 is a more powerful force than family background, size of family or level of parental achievement."
Research by Feinistein and Symons
"The CLPE project changed the attitude of children and parents towards school. These children and their families have been failed by the school system, not once, but two or three times. We need to regain their trust."
Head, London Borough of Southwark
"I will always be able to help my daughter with her writing now, even when she goes to secondary school. I can see how I will be able to help her in ways that I could not help my other daughter."
Mum, London Borough of Southwark
"One child has moved from a 2c in year 5 to a 3a since their parent took part in the course."
Head, London Borough of Southwark
"I have had three children and their parents on the course from my class and I am amazed by what they have achieved together. I wish more of my parents had been on it!"
Teacher, London Borough of Southwark
Quotes
"Parental involvement in the schooling of children between the ages of seven and 16 is a more powerful force than family background, size of family or level of parental achievement."
Research by Feinistein and Symons
"The CLPE project changed the attitude of children and parents towards school. These children and their families have been failed by the school system, not once, but two or three times. We need to regain their trust."
Head, London Borough of Southwark
"I will always be able to help my daughter with her writing now, even when she goes to secondary school. I can see how I will be able to help her in ways that I could not help my other daughter."
Mum, London Borough of Southwark
"One child has moved from a 2c in year 5 to a 3a since their parent took part in the course."
Head, London Borough of Southwark
"I have had three children and their parents on the course from my class and I am amazed by what they have achieved together. I wish more of my parents had been on it!"
Teacher, London Borough of Southwark