The children’s charity behind the Kent Literacy Awards has extended the nomination deadline to allow schools to showcase their successful reading and writing initiatives.

And to recognise the herculean efforts of teachers during lockdown a Best Home School Literacy Initiative category has been introduced.

Teachers, support staff, and management at primary, secondary, and special schools in the county have until Monday, June 1 to submit entries online at www.KentLiteracyAwards.co.uk

The awards are run by child literacy and green travel charity the KM Charity Team to share the ways in which schools are helping children to communicate with confidence.

Award categories include best school library, most engaging writing topic, and best speaking competition.

Initiatives using IT, drama, poetry or art will also be recognised, as well as programmes for engaging pupils with English as a second language.

KM Charity Team CEO Mike Ward said: “This is our opportunity to share the great things that schools are doing all year round so that others can benefit.”

He added: “I’d also like to say a big thank you to all school staff - whether you’re in school with children of key workers or involved with remote teaching - for continuing your amazing work during such a difficult time.”

Organisations supporting the Kent Literacy Awards include Kent County Council, Medway Council, Golding Homes, KM Facilities Management, Blessings by Blé, and The Education People.

Winning schools will be invited to collect awards at a ceremony at Hempstead House in Bapchild near Sittingbourne. Details of their initiatives will be collated into a best practice document which any school will be able to download for free at the awards’ website.

The full list of Kent Literacy Awards categories is as follows:

Best home school literacy initiative; Best circle time; Best home reading initiative; Most engaging writing topic; Most effective use of IT to enhance writing; Most effective use of IT to enhance reading; Best initiative to encourage speaking and listening skills; Best use of drama to promote writing, speaking and listening skills; Best use of art or poetry; Most successful programme for engaging pupils with English as second language; Most engaging writing competition or theme; Best use of cross curricular reading opportunities; Best use of cross curricular writing; Best promotion of reading for pleasure; Best school library; Most inspiring book corner; Most engaging book week theme; Best reward scheme; Best speaking competition or debating club.

Visit www.KentLiteracyAwards.co.uk before the June 1 deadline.