New English leAd for ScArborough

The new lead practitioner for English in Scarborough schools has said he wants to use the town’s geography and culture to inspire literacy projects. English teacher Paul Offord is based at Scalby School three days a week and spends the rest of the week offering support and professional development to staff at other schools. He said: “There is so much expertise, passion and commitment among teachers in this town and we want to build on that. It’s a really vibrant place, a unique and exciting place to be for teachers. Geographically and culturally Scarborough is very distinctive and we can draw on that.” speech and language therapy for staff to support children on a daily basis.

“The therapist can also give regular help to parents to build confidence to support their children in the right way.”

Mrs Logan has researched evidence about the long-term impact of early speech and language problems in children and is a passionate about the need for early intervention.

She said: “Early speech, language and communication difficulties in children are a significant predictor of later literacy difficulties.

“Evidence shows the majority of young people in youth offending institutions have communication problems.

“If there is no intervention at an early age the gap in literacy attainment widens to five years by the time children become teenagers.

“If we get in early we can give children a chance to realise their potential.

“If you can speak and listen well you will read, write and comprehend with higher levels of success as you move forward through school and then you can make better life choices.” A Ditch the Dummy campaign has also been launched in Scarborough as part of the pledge to support parents to wean children off their dummies.