The culture of reading at Lea Forest Primary Academy forms the backbone of this outstanding school. Sean Harris explains how they are using reading to tackle the impact of poverty on pupils’ lives...


Recent research from the National Literacy Trust reveals that the cost-of-living crisis is having a detrimental impact on children’s access to books (NLT, 2023). The study of more than 3,000 parents and carers nationally also reveals the vital role that school libraries are playing in communities struggling during the economic down-turn.

It also found that 20% of the parents were buying fewer books for their children, increasing to 36% of those who were struggling financially. And 26% have asked their children to borrow more books from their school library.


‘Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere’
Mary Schmich

Lea Forest Primary Academy in Birmingham is acutely aware of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children and families. The school serves an area of significant socio-economic disadvantage.

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