The annual Kent Literacy Awards are now open to entries from teachers, school staff, and parents nominating top school schemes that develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Any primary or secondary school in Kent and Medway can enter – and there is a wide range of categories to choose from, including most inspiring book corner, best speaking competition, most engaging writing topic, and best use of drama.

For the 100 schools signed up to the reading reward scheme Buster’s Book Club, there are additional categories relating to the scheme.

Jonathan Fullarton, associate at McCabe Ford Willliams, which is supporting the awards for the third year running, explained: “It’s a great idea, schools can share a platform for ideas and what works with children.”

Organiser Karen Brinkman, from the KM Charity Team, which runs the event, said: “It is such a delight every year to see what schools have been doing - and the fun they have been having - to improve children’s language skills.

“Last year’s winners included a school which had set up a reading café and one which had turned itself into Hogwarts for the week. Another ran family sessions where pupils could learn exciting new things with their parents - like archery and musical instrument making - while improving their communication skills.

“The teachers’ imagination and creativity is so inspiring – especially when you consider the pressure they’re under, it’s quite amazing.”

Details of the winning initiatives will be featured in a best practice booklet sent to every school in the county to encourage others to try out the ideas for themselves.

The Kent Literacy Awards are supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council, London Borough of Bexley, Orbit, KM Facilities Management Group, Reed Global, Tribeca Technology Group, Beanstalk, Golding Vision (part of Golding Homes), Whitefriars, and DDS Environmental.

Winning schools will be invited to an awards ceremony at the Hempstead House Hotel in Sittingbourne at the end of June.

The deadline for entries is noon on Friday, April 27. For more information, visit www.kentliteracyawards.co.uk