Lack of support for early years language development is leading to a literacy crisis that could be costing the economy £830m for each school year group, according to research published by Pro Bono Economics in Feb 2024. They found there are about 106,000 5-year-olds in England each year who are not meeting expected standards for literacy but could with adequate support. This will have consequences for their learning, confidence, wellbeing and employment prospects for the rest of their lives.

By delivering year-round creative writing opportunities for young people aged 4-11 we will work with them to improve literacy, foster creativity, boost confidence, and develop transferable communication skills. The early years are the most critical time for the development of a child’s abilities to master language and we will work with professional writers after school and during holidays to provide support, mentoring and skills development that boosts literacy and educational attainment.