A NEW education partnership to put stories and literature at the heart of learning is being set up in York.

Ebor Academy Trust, which operates 18 schools across the city, Selby, the East Riding of Yorkshire and the Humber and on the Yorkshire Coast, is teaming up with Just Imagine, an international consultancy specialising in developing reading and writing in schools.

Academy specialist Fiona Thompson, who leads on literacy across the group, said: “We feel privileged to be able to work in partnership with the team at Just Imagine.

“The expertise, resources and research opportunities they offer will ensure that our children will be engaged in rich reading experiences with high quality materials, delivered by staff who have the knowledge and skills to ensure that all children are able to develop as real readers.”

Nikki Gamble, chief executive of Just Imagine, said: “Developing literacy means children and young people can communicate effectively and helps them make sense of the world. It’s at the centre of all learning.“We are pleased to be working alongside Ebor Academy Trust to deliver truly innovative ways for children to get excited about literacy and start to develop a lifelong love of reading.”

Richard Ludlow, chief executive of Ebor Academy Trust, who welcomes Osbaldwick Primary School into the trust on July 1, said: “The new partnership is an excellent example of collaborative working which focuses on raising standards and improving life chances for our pupils. We are fortunate to be working alongside a wide range of education professionals who are passionate about school improvement.”