Oldham schools celebrate Christmas literacy event

Families from Royton came together this Christmas to celebrate literacy at a special event organised by Oldham Council's Making It REAL programme. Forty families from Heyside Pre-School and Blackshaw Lane Primary School joined in festive activities that combined holiday fun with early reading and writing skills.

The event featured Christmas-themed books, card-making, tree decorations, and drawing activities led by Father Christmas's elves. Parents and children worked side by side, creating festive crafts while building literacy skills through play and storytelling.

Making It REAL, developed from research at the University of Sheffield, now involves 130 children across 17 schools in Oldham. The programme includes home visits and regular literacy events throughout the year, helping parents feel confident supporting their children's early learning.

Parents reported seeing real changes in their children's engagement with reading and writing. Peter, who attended with his son Henry, said the home visits made a big difference: 'Henry was over the moon to see his teachers. We read We're Going On A Bear Hunt together and made a bear mask-he's doing so well.

Staff from both schools praised the programme for building community connections. Katy Claber from Blackshaw Lane Primary said it shows parents simple activities they can do at home, while Sam Clarke from Heyside Pre-School highlighted how it helps children transition smoothly to primary school.