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Post
Office Network Change Programme
ERS has supported a number of local authorities with advice
and statistical support relating to the Post Office Ltd. Network
Change Programme.
The Network Change Programme will identify 2,500 post offices
for closure across the country. This is a key concern for
communities, particularly as the socio-demographic profile
of the catchment area served by individual post offices is
not considered by Post Office Ltd. in identifying which post
offices are earmarked for closure.
ERS provided a detailed picture of the community living within
a one mile radius of each post office. The information included
both actual numbers and rates of the elderly population, people
with a lifelong limiting illness, lone parents, car ownership
and also the proportion of people who have access to a bank/building
society account. Local and national rates were also provided
for comparative purposes.
The information and maps supplied to Hartlepool, Redcar and
Cleveland and Darlington Borough Councils were used as evidence
in their negotiations with Post Office Ltd. during the six
week statutory consultation period.
ERS contact: cbarlow@ers.org.uk
0191 244 6111
Evaluation
of National Reading Programmes
ERS has been commissioned by the Museums, Libraries and Archives
Council (MLA) to undertake the evaluation of two reading programmes
supporting partnerships between libraries, early years settings
and schools, namely Book Ahead and Boys into Books. Both Programmes
have received funding from the Department for Children, Schools
and Families (DCSF) in recognition of the role that libraries
play in supporting reading for pleasure.
Book Ahead
The Book Ahead initiative aims to deepen the partnership between
Early Years settings and public libraries in England by providing
early years practitioners with access to quality book collections
and new skills to support an integrated approach between early
year settings and libraries.
ERS’ approach to the evaluation will review the models
of delivery of all 149 library authorities as well as producing
in-depth case studies from a sample of areas and covering
a range of early year settings.
The approach specifically incorporates the production of a
robust evaluation framework for the programme which will be
used to connect policy and community needs to the implementation
of the programme, its outputs and expected outcomes.
Further details of the programme can be accessed at www.bookahead.org.uk
Boys into Books (5-11)
The Boys into Books Programme aims to develop partnerships
between library services and primary schools that will particularly
promote reading for pleasure to boys aged 5 – 11 years.
The Programme builds on the established Boys into Books 11
– 14 year olds initiative and supports the National
Year of Reading 2008, also funded by the DCSF
The methodology adopted by the study team will specifically
be focused on determining the following evaluation questions.
• Has the programme had any impact on the work practices,
skills and attitudes of library staff and primary school teachers?
In particular, what have been the benefits and challenges
of building, or deepening and sustaining collaboration between
primary or first/ middle schools and public libraries?
• What is the unique contribution of Boys into Books
5 -11 years to the aims of the Primary curriculum?
• What other outcomes have recipients of this programme
(i.e., boys aged 5 – 11 years) experienced?
The study team will utilise a range of participatory appraisal
techniques to consult with boys supported by the project and
their parents, in particular to evidence change in reading
habits and enjoyment.
Further details of the programme can be accessed at www.boysintobooks.co.uk
ERS contact: aparkinson@ers.org.uk
0191 244 6103
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