Briefing Note: The Highlights
Let’s Talk Reading: Transforming Lives Through Literacy
Let’s Talk Reading (LTR) is a Ipswich-based charity with a bold mission: to eradicate low literacy across all age groups, particularly in disadvantaged communities. This independent evaluation reveals that LTR is not only achieving this mission; it is transforming lives, families, and communities through a holistic, relational, and deeply impactful approach to literacy.
LTR’s strength lies in its lifespan model, supporting individuals from birth to adulthood, and its ability to meet people where they are, emotionally, socially, and geographically. Across all programmes, LTR fosters a love of reading, builds confidence, and removes barriers to access, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond literacy alone.
Let’s Talk Babies (LTB)
LTR’s early intervention begins with Let’s Talk Babies, a free, weekly parent-and-baby group for families in Ipswich’s most deprived areas. These sessions combine story, rhyme, play, and peer support, gifting high-quality books monthly to build home libraries.
Key Impacts:
• Promotes early language development and school readiness.
• Builds parental confidence and wellbeing.
• Reduces isolation and fosters peer networks.
• Removes financial barriers to early literacy.
Parents describe the group as “a lifesaver,” with many attributing their child’s love of books and social confidence to LTB. The sessions also support mental health, routine, and connection during the often-isolating period of early parenthood.
Early Years Storytime Sessions
Delivered in 39 early years settings, these interactive sessions bring stories to life with props, songs, and shared reading. Mini-libraries and dual-language books are provided, and book packs are gifted throughout the year.
Key Impacts:
• Increases access to books, especially in English as an Additional Language (EAL) and low-income households.
• Supports language development and school readiness.
• Builds joy, belonging, and emotional connection through shared stories.
• Encourages family engagement and reading routines at home.
Practitioners report that LTR’s support is “invaluable,” particularly when some children are more familiar with screens than books. The sessions reintroduce the joy of traditional literacy and help embed a reading culture in early years education.
Primary School Support
LTR works with Ipswich primary schools, offering book packs, library support, Irlen’s screening, and targeted interventions. Through two case studies the depth and success of this work is demonstrated.
Key Impacts:
• Improved SATs results and Ofsted ratings (e.g., The Oaks rated “Outstanding”).
• Embedded reading cultures through classroom practice and curriculum integration.
• After-school interventions at Ranelagh led to measurable reading progress in 77% of pupils.
• Inclusive support for EAL, SEND, and FSM pupils.
LTR’s long-term partnerships have transformed school environments and outcomes. Headteachers credit LTR with helping children become more proficient readers than their parents, a generational shift in literacy.
Adult Literacy – Let’s Read Ipswich
This one-to-one coaching programme supports adults with low literacy through volunteer-led, relationship-based sessions. Using Shannon Trust manuals and flexible approaches, the programme empowers adults to read, navigate daily life, and support their families.
Key Impacts:
• Enables adults to read forms, signage, and medical instructions.
• Builds confidence, independence, and life skills.
• Supports parents in engaging with their children’s education.
• Fosters trust, dignity, and personal growth.
Volunteers describe the work as “life-changing”, not just for readers, but for themselves. The programme has helped adults gain employment, citizenship, and self-belief, with ripple effects across families and communities.
Conclusion: A Quiet Force for Social Change
Let’s Talk Reading is more than a literacy charity; it is a catalyst for community transformation. Its programmes are inclusive, relational, and deeply embedded in the lives of those it serves. From babies to adults, LTR is creating lasting change by:
• Tackling systemic inequalities.
• Promoting early and lifelong learning.
• Nurturing a love of reading.
• Building confidence, connection, and community.
Sustained investment and strategic development will be essential to deepen and extend this impact. LTR’s work is not only valuable; it is vital.