TextNow

TextNow is an innovative reader engagement programme that motivates young people to become more confident and able readers. The model is based on a structured programme of daily 20-minute reading sessions each weekday for a period of 10 weeks supported by trained volunteer coaches, a small library and an awards scheme. This regular and focused one-to-one support aims to encourage a young person's interest in and enjoyment of reading to reduce the risk of long-term social exclusion.

The Impact of TextNow

In 2008, a national TextNow pilot ran in 36 sites including schools and colleges in England and Wales involving 400 young people. The evaluation demonstrated that the programme had impressive, statistically significant impacts on all aspects of reading engagement and achievement. Most significantly, the 2008 evaluation found average reading ages improved by 18 months in just 12 weeks. There were also significant outcomes demonstrating that young people on the project enjoyed reading more, were reading more frequently and had branched out in terms of what they read.

The Future for TextNow

A recent evaluation by Professor Greg Brooks has identified that not only is the programme unique in its effectiveness but it has a much wider applicability for young people with low levels of reading attainment and who are at risk of detachment from education.

We intend to expand TextNow across England and Wales.