It’s a New Chapter for Youngsters

HUNDREDS of youngsters who struggle with reading will be thrown a lifeline when a specialist Midland centre hailed as “among the most modern in Europe” opens its doors.

More than 500 primary pupils will be taught using the Reading Recovery programme at the Centre for Literacy and Language Development in Smethwick during its first three years of operation.

Many more will benefit as dozens of teachers undergo Reading Recovery training before returning to their own schools.

Reading Recovery is aimed at children who have fallen behind at the end of their first year in primary school.

Largely funded by the pounds 10 million national Every Child A Reader programme, the centre is based at Shireland Hall Primary School and boasts state-of-the-art facilities including a two-way mirror and sound system so teachers can be coached during lessons.

Reading Recovery pupils receive daily one-to-one lessons with a highly trained teacher for up to 20 weeks.

Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for children and young people Coun Ian Jones, will open the centre on July 7.

(c) 2008 Evening Mail; Birmingham (UK). Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.