Schools optimising creative and innovative schemes to enhance pupils’ passion for literacy are eligible for nomination at the Kent Literacy Awards.

A key partner of the awards understands just how important strong reading, writing, speaking and listening skills are to getting ahead in the working world, and she proudly joins the hunt for nominees.

Hilary Steel, editor of Kent Women in Business magazine, said: “As an editor and a linguist who speaks three foreign languages, communication is a huge part of my world. When reflecting on how to accurately teach literacy in schools, and how to improve pupils’ skills, it allows room for innovation. This is why the Kent Literacy Awards were created.”

She added: “What would make the awards even more of an effective and memorable event is if people take the time to nominate those who are going above-and-beyond to prepare future generations for a more prosperous future.”

Nominations are now officially open for the Kent Literacy Awards and are accepted from support staff, pupils, management and fellow teachers across schools in Kent, Medway and Bexley.

A large variety of categories are available including Best Circle Time, Best use of drama to promote writing, speaking and listening skills, Best use of Art and Poetry, and Best speaking competition or debating club.

The awards will be hosted at a formal evening held at Sittingbourne’s Hempstead House Hotel and Spa at the end of June. Kent Women in Business magazine and fellow event ambassadors will take a place on the judging panel.

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team which organises the awards, said: “The awards were implemented to recognise and commend school staff providing innovative methods in order to further children’s reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. They serve as the perfect opportunity to say thank you to those hard working schools which are showing such commitment to the next generation.”

To submit one or more nominations before the April 29 deadline, visit www.kentliteracyawards.co.uk