Safety Superhero Academy Champions National Year of Reading 2026 with a Mission to Shape Safer Futures Through Literacy and Oracy
Year 2 students at John Hunt Academy holding up their new The Safety Superhero books - Sponsored by Proud2BSafe
In response to yesterday’s announcement by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, declaring 2026 the National Year of Reading, The Safety Superhero Academy proudly reaffirms its commitment to empowering children through reading and spoken language to build safer, more confident futures.
The National Year of Reading, spearheaded by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with the Department for Education, comes at a critical time:
Recent data shows that only 1 in 3 children aged 8–18 enjoy reading - the lowest figure in two decades.
Reading for pleasure is proven to enhance a child’s literacy, wellbeing, empathy, and lifelong learning. The campaign aims to champion reading as a modern, meaningful activity by engaging schools, communities, and employers across the UK.
The Safety Superhero Academy - founded by Bethany Holroyd, a safety educator and children’s author - will play an active role in supporting this national movement by embedding safety education into storytelling and classroom dialogue.
“Reading unlocks far more than literacy,” says Bethany Holroyd. “It gives children the language, courage and confidence to talk about the world around them - including the risks they face in daily life. At The Safety Superhero Academy, we use books to teach safety, spark important conversations, and nurture brave young thinkers. This national campaign aligns perfectly with our mission.”
The Academy delivers interactive sessions for children aged 4–10, combining storytelling, role play, and oracy-led learning to help pupils:
Understand and articulate safety concepts
Build confidence in speaking and problem-solving
Recognise and reduce risk in their environments
By linking literacy and life skills, The Safety Superhero Academy contributes to a wider national goal: to ensure every child has the tools to thrive - not just academically, but socially and safely.
As the National Year of Reading approaches, Bethany encourages schools, families and employers to take part in reshaping the reading culture in the UK.
“We’re proud to be part of a national mission where reading inspires real-world change,” she adds. “Together, we can raise a generation of safety superheroes - one book at a time.”
To learn more about the Safety Superhero Academy or to book a visit please get in touch here.