The Pen Pal Project, spearheaded by Literacy Volunteers, a Nottinghamshire Educational Charity, was piloted on Friday 23^rd November 2007 at St Andrew’s (CofE) Primary School in Skegby. 

The project is supported by the Head Teacher, Mrs. Karen Brooks and coordinated by Miss Hilary Jones, Deputy Head Teacher and Literacy Co-ordinator. Mrs. Audrey Richards, a Literacy Volunteer at the school, has been integrally involved in the project.

This intergenerational, topic-based letter writing project is aiming to help improve the writing skills of primary school children.  Eight Volunteers will write to pupils about their memories and the changes they have seen over the decades; subjects will include family life, technology, fashion, media and other relevant topics.

Sue Marriott, Development Officer for Literacy Volunteers, has organised the activity which was run in partnership with and funded by Volunteering Nottinghamshire. After an induction session from Sue, the Volunteers will write up to 6 letters over a school year to children selected by the school who will then reply.  Following a successful pilot it is hoped that the scheme will be made available to other schools.