MP Steve Barclay launches annual Read to Succeed literacy campaign

MP Steve Barclay has today launched his annual literacy campaign Read to Succeed, which aims to provide a new reading book for every Year 4 child in North East Cambridgeshire.

Last year was one of the most successful ever and the campaign, now in its eighth year, has delivered more than 15,000 new books to pupils across the constituency.

Steve said: “We had 311 more children taking part last year than the year before and it’s all thanks to the generosity of local businesses, charities, organisations and personal donation.”

The campaign is aimed at Year 4 because children often begin to read more independently around the age of eight or nine. Donations are collected to purchase books so each child in Year 4 will have one to take home during the school summer holidays.

Steve added: “We align with the Summer Reading Challenge in libraries to encourage children to test out different books and learn what they enjoy, whether action adventures, science facts or comic books.

A love of reading lasts a lifetime and I hope that is what we’re inspiring with this campaign.

“Last year 61% of pupils that started the Summer Reading Challenged completed it – up from 47% the previous year. That’s a huge increase and I hope it will improve again this year.”

Each year, the campaign has the backing of teachers, businesses, town and district councils, community groups and the Bishop of Ely. Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group which owns and manages thousands of homes across North East Cambridgeshire, has supported Read to Succeed for the last five years. This year, it has donated a further £3,000, bringing the total donated to £15,000.

Phil Miles, Director of Clarion Futures, said: “We’re a proud supporter of the Read to Succeed campaign which makes such a difference to children across North East Cambridgeshire. Having access to new books over the summer holidays is a game-changer, helping to foster a lifelong love of reading, and we hope that the campaign continues to go from strength to strength.”

Donations are collected from now until June so books can be purchased and delivered to schools before the summer break. To donate please contact adam.fairbrother@parliament.uk