A FUNDRAISING campaign has been set up to help children from poorer communities do better at school in Oxfordshire.

The Oxfordshire Community Foundation (OCF) has announced a new campaign for its Growing Minds initiative.

The foundation will match up to £30,000 of donations made through its fundraising platform The Good Exchange.

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Every £1 donated will be matched to provide books, in-home support and targeted group sessions for disadvantaged children.

Adrian Sell, chief executive of OCF, said: “This year, we’ve seen troubling figures showing that financial hardship in Oxfordshire could contribute to a widening of the already disproportionate education gap.

“Growing Minds is focused on practical and results-based steps that can change the life outcomes of disadvantaged babies and toddlers.

“This funding will ensure we continue to deliver on the four key pillars of the initiative – preventative measures; a collaborative approach; evidence-based interventions; and a place-based focus on key communities with needs.

“We hope to replicate the model across Oxfordshire and beyond to help close the education disparity in the UK.”

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The Growing Minds initiative brings education and early years charities together with local Oxfordshire delivery partners to help close this education gap.

The programme identifies families that require support, sends them free books and trains frontline early years practitioners in the Peep Learning Together programme, engaging families in meaningful interactions and support, so that children can become school ready.