Literature matters

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Literature Matters is a national initial teacher training (ITT) initiative to enthuse trainee teachers about children’s literature and libraries, and is being delivered by professional librarians from School Library Services (SLSs) and public libraries, in conjunction with ITT providers of all kinds.

Now in its second year, this two-year project is jointly funded by the DfES, the Arts Council and MLA (the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council).

The project aims:

• to increase knowledge of children’s books and libraries in initial teacher training (with particular reference to diversity)
• to increase confidence in promoting children’s books and using libraries in initial teacher training
• to enhance links between ITT providers and libraries and the literature sector

Here in the North West, we are linking the project to live literature events and reading groups as ways for trainee teachers to engage with children’s literature and libraries. Literature Matters in the North West is working in partnership with the regional branches and offices of the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians (ASCEL), Arts Council England (ACE), the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and a wide range of primary and secondary ITT providers. The following organisations are participating in Literature Matters: