'They were a godsend'

‘They were a godsend.’ A local mum is looking back to the Learn to Love to Read early literacy sessions that she and her four-year-old son attended online during lockdown.

As schools, nurseries and playgroups closed, she worried that her son was becoming isolated and so the class quickly became ‘a highlight,’ giving him ‘social time,’ and ‘really punctuating the day.’

As the group chatted, sang, played and read, she loved watching him take part, waiting his turn to ‘say his bit,’ and seeing his face ‘light up’ during the games.

The classes quickly became ‘a real highlight during lockdown – a bit of a miserable period.’

Learn to Love to Read runs early literacy classes in partnership with HomeStart Wandsworth, CARAS and Contact but also offers them to local families through their partner schools and other community contacts.   The aim of the sessions is to give parents the tools and confidence to support their child’s early literacy learning, and to ensure that more children are starting school ready to learn to read.

Before each series of classes begins a package of books and games is sent to each child. Then a follow up pack is delivered after each session.  This ensures that every family taking part has access to resources at home that they can use during and after the sessions.  The mum describes the packs as ‘incredible – the books, jigsaws and games have become a staple in our home.’

Would she recommend the classes?

‘A hundred percent yes. They help, they really do. They level the playing field, giving you the tools to help your child. I wish they were available to more people.’

Asked to sum up the classes in a single sentence she replies: ‘Really tangible actionable advice, wrapped up in a lot of fun.’