Right to Read for Looked After Children City of York Council has been awarded £25,000 by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for a two year 'Right to Read' project designed to help looked after children get a good start with books and reading.

The project is a joint initiative between the council's library and children's services teams and will start next April.

Building upon similar pilot projects in other authorities but adding some innovative elements, the scheme will unite Children's Services, librarians, foster carers and teachers in working to improve leisure and learning opportunities for looked after children.

The project includes providing starter libraries, chosen by the children themselves, a series of fun events and activities to stimulate the enjoyment of reading, and study support schemes. It also aims to give more confidence in handling the world of information to help young people pursue their hobbies, interests and careers.

Councillor Alan Jones, the council's executive member for leisure and heritage, said, "This is an innovative new initiative and we are grateful to the Paul Hamlyn Foundation for its support."

Councillor Bob Fletcher, the council's executive member for social services, said, "Among the benefits of this scheme should be improved relationships in foster families and children's homes because sharing books means giving each other additional time and attention.

"In addition, this initiative will also contribute to our drive to enhance the opportunities for looked after children to achieve academically."

Work towards the bid included a survey of reading habits of looked after young people which showed that 28 percent of respondents never read a story book or novel but 50 percent thought they would read more if they had better access to books. Almost 40 percent never visited a public library and only 13 percent went often.

Alison Jones, the council's senior librarian, said, "All aspects of the project are designed to be enjoyable and open up the magical world of books and information in all varieties of appropriate, accessible formats.

"It widens the social, educational and employment opportunities of looked after children by helping them access their own imagination and providing vital skills and experiences which will help support them in their future."

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Notes for editors: The Paul Hamlyn Foundation was established in 1987 to address issues of inequality and disadvantage, particularly in relation to young people and especially through arts and education It is a charitable organisation set up by the publisher Paul Hamlyn. They have a scheme for 2001-2003 which invites applications for grants for projects which aim to improve long term access to books and reading for looked after children. They have already sponsored a series of projects which the York project is inspired by.