Pens and paintbrushes at the ready - Daycare Trust launches children's art and creative writing competition
Friday, 04 Apr 2008 14:35
Daycare Trust has just announced this year's art and writing competition for children to celebrate National childcare week (2-9 June 2008) and the National Year of Reading. The National Literacy Trust, who lead the consortium that deliver the National Year of Reading, enthusiastically support the competition. The competition is sponsored by The Children's Mutual, the only UK company specialising in long-term savings and investments for families with children. This year's theme is 'Building brighter futures'.
The competition is for children aged two to 14, and is split into two categories:
- The first competition asks children aged two to 10 to choose their favourite book and design a new cover for it.
- The second competition invites children aged five to 14 to write a short story about what the future holds for all of us.
Each competition will be divided into three age groups.
"The JK Rowlings and Quentin Blakes of tomorrow are developing their talents at childcare settings and schools today. We want this year's National childcare week to be a celebration of children and their creativity, and to bring the young writers and artists of the nation to a wider audience," said Joint-Chief Executive Alison Garnham.
"We're asking parents, carers, teachers and anyone who works with children to encourage them to take up their pens and paintbrushes and enter our competition."
Tony Anderson, Marketing Director at The Children's Mutual said, "We're delighted to support the Daycare Trust in their mission to build brighter futures for children. We are committed to making families' lives easier, and within that recognise the absolute importance of accessible, affordable, quality childcare.
It's also vital to encourage creativity amongst children. It can be a superb reflection of personality, and it's great to explore and develop ways of self-expression. We invite children to enter the competition, not just for the chance to win, but to support a very worthwhile charity."
The closing date for receipt of entries is 16 May 2008. The winners will be contacted on 30 May and invited to an Awards ceremony on Monday 2 June at an exciting location (to be announced) in central London, where they will each receive a prize for themselves and their childcare setting/school.
National childcare week is designed to promote the importance of investing in childcare, out-of-school activities and early years provision for children to strengthen and contribute to children's play and learning.
Ends.
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity, campaigning for quality affordable accessible childcare for all and raising the voices of children, parents and carers. We advise parents and carers, providers, employers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. We recognise that everyone is unique and we value difference in our communities. We listen to all views and are committed to act without prejudice. We oppose all discrimination and promote equality in all we do.
Daycare Trust is calling on the Government to
1. Meet parents' aspirations for universal childcare services by:
- expanding free places for two, three and four-year olds to at least 20 hours a week, for 48 weeks in the year and
- subsidising out of school activities for all 11-14s and for younger children from poorer families, aiming ultimately to make them free.
2. Tackle the affordability crisis by giving local authorities the means to develop sustainable services in poorer areas and provide free places for those missing out, including places for disabled children, parents needing out of hours care, Further Education students and parents of under-threes who want to train.
3. Set new standards for the pay of childcare workers, either through national benchmarks or incentives such as the Graduate Leader Fund.
Daycare Trust runs an information line (020 7840 3350) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-5pm. Parents can also visit
www.daycaretrust.org.uk for information.
Daycare Trust is a member of the Campaign to End Child Poverty,
www.ecpc.org.uk.
For further information, contact Daycare Trust on 020 7840 3350.
The Children's Mutual - Home of the Child Trust Fund
The Children's Mutual's mission is to help parents, grandparents, family and friends fulfil their hopes for today's children. We offer a range of savings plans, which are specially designed to do this, by combining the benefits of our 127-year heritage as a trusted mutual society with the latest financial expertise.
The Children's Mutual is a trading name of the Tunbridge Wells Equitable Group. The Children's Mutual provides information about products of the Tunbridge Wells Equitable Group only.
www.thechildrensmutual.co.uk
About the National Year of Reading
The National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency are leading a consortium of organisations committed to promoting reading to manage the National Year of Reading 2008 (NYR) on behalf of the DCSF.
The NYR will run from January to December 2008. From January to March organisations and authorities will be asked to take the Reading Challenge, to pledge and plan their support. Delivery of the NYR will be launched in April 2008.
www.yearofreading.org.uk
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone.
www.literacytrust.org.uk
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