TextNow® is an innovative reader engagement programme that motivates young people to become more confident and able readers. The TextNow programme provides structured one-to-one reading sessions for 20 minutes each weekday for ten weeks, supported by trained coaches, a starter 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.

Independent evaluation of TextNow has found that average reading ages improve by 18 months over the course of the programme. Attitudes towards reading, confidence and frequency of reading also improve significantly.

TextNow can be used by schools, colleges, short stay schools and other alternative education provision, training providers, youth offending teams, local authorities or any other organisation that works with young people.

Not only is the programme unique in its effectiveness, but it has wide applicability for young people with low levels of reading attainment and who are at risk of detachment from education.