AN EGREMONT primary school has been recognised for its expertise in teaching reading and will take a leading role in supporting other schools to teach children to read.

Orgill Primary School is one of only 32 schools in the country to be chosen as an English Hub by the Department for Education.

English hub schools will promote a love of reading and support other schools to provide excellent phonics and early language teaching.

Building on the success of phonics, the 32 schools will spread best practice and teaching techniques, backed by £26.3 million funding. This will include providing school workshops for teachers and more intensive school-to-school support.

This network of some of the best performing primary schools will work to increase reading standards in schools, with focus on improving education outcomes for disadvantaged children, particularly in underperforming schools.

Orgill is one of only four schools in the north of England and the only school in Cumbria to be selected as an English Hub.

Headteacher, Julie Irving, said: "This is a really exciting time for Orgill School. We are delighted to have our success in teaching reading recognised in this way by the Department for Education and we are honoured to be the very first teaching Hub in Cumbria.

"We have a fantastic teaching staff who go above and beyond to ensure that our pupils have the best educational experience possible and a very supportive community. We are looking forward to this next step in our journey and welcome the opportunity to work with other schools."

Mrs Irving and deputy head, Holly Collins, recently spent two days in London working with Department for Education officials in preparation for the launch.
They will appoint five specialist teachers in the Spring, who will work with them to promote excellence in the teaching of reading.

Mrs Irving said: "These will be outstanding reception or Year One teachers who have an excellent track record in attaining high standards in the teaching of phonics.

"We will provide funding to release them for several days each term to provide support to schools in need and there is funding available for additional training and resources for schools that meet particular criteria."