Talking Success for Children in Bradford

By Jonnel Benjamin

Talking to children is becoming more important in schools across Bradford because of a new scheme called the 'Talking Children Charter'.

Pupils from schools across Bradford presented the Deputy Lord Mayor with the Charter today in Bingley.

Each school completed two pages of in the Charter with a mission statement and reasons why they think talking is important to their learning. Once each school has completed their pages it was delivered on to the next school.

Richard Ballantine, Deputy Headteacher at Keighley's Parkwood Primary School said: "It's a completely different approach but talking is central to learning.

"Other schools might be developing speaking and listening but dialogue and the children engaging with each other are just as important".

Deputy Lord Mayor Joanne Dodds with children from schools across Bradford

Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children each topic the school displayed in a banner outside.

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Joanne Dodds said "It's absolutely fabulous.

"This scheme gives children the skills and chance to describe and look at things, but also know how to talk about things. It putting talk at the centre of learning".

Mr Ballantine said: "The success that the school has had from this project has driven us on.

"By using talk for learning and writing, it really has moved on the standards of teaching.

It's also made a huge difference to how the children are learning and the level of achievement they are gaining".

Children delivering Talking Charter to Deputy Lord Mayor Joanne Dodds