More than 10,000 school children across the capital have taken part in literary-focussed events to help them develop a love of reading.

Children from schools in Ealing, Rotherhithe, Queens Park, Whitechapel and Paddington have taken part in a series of literacy-focused sessions as part of the Young Readers Programme.

The scheme is an award-winning initiative sponsored by landlord British Land and run-in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, designed to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

British Land and five of its office campuses and retail sites across London – including Broadgate, Paddington Central, Regent’s Place, Ealing Broadway and Surrey Quays – have been supporting the Young Readers Programme for 11 years, donating almost 33,000 books and supporting more than 10,000 children across the capital.

Schools involved in this year’s programme include Thomas Buxton Primary School, West Acton Primary School and Hallfield Primary School, with pupils taking part in a range of activities including interactive storytelling sessions, drama workshops and with each child able to take a book of their choice home.

Research by the National Literacy Trust has shown that owning a book means children are more likely to say they enjoy reading and are more inclined to read in their free time. However, 6.5% of children in the UK do not own a book, which equates to half a million children across the country*. This rises to one in 10 (9.7%) children from disadvantaged backgrounds, which is the demographic this partnership aims to reach.

With reading for enjoyment proven to have a positive effect on children’s reading skill* as well as their wellbeing and mental health, the Young Readers Programme aims to give support and help with the development of children in under privileged areas by giving them access to books.

Anna Devlet, Head of Social Sustainability for British Land, said: “Literacy and reading for enjoyment doesn’t just foster a love of books but can have a meaningful impact on social mobility. We’ve worked with the National Literacy Trust for over a decade to support literacy in young people across London. We’re uniquely placed to bring businesses together with schools local to our London campuses for a powerful collaborative approach, supporting students to develop their skills for the future and creating a positive lasting social impact.”
“It’s been brilliant to welcome the children from across the capital to our campuses and retail sites over the years. It’s so rewarding to see how the children are inspired by the stories they hear and start to get excited about reading and bringing their own books home.”

Martin Galway, Head of School Programmes at the National Literacy Trust, said: “The right book, at the right moment, can change a child’s life.

“That’s what the Young Readers Programme has been doing with British Land – giving children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to experience enchanting story-telling events, and to choose books that speak to their interests and passions.

“Our goal is to spark a love of reading that will last them a lifetime, which in turn will empower them with the literacy skills they need to succeed.”