Isle of Wight-based writer, publisher, and community arts leader Lottie Begg is proud to announce her involvement in the Young Poet Laureate programme 2025, a free national initiative run by the National Poetry Centre and the National Literacy Trust.
The programme is designed to spark creativity and confidence in Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 pupils across England through classroom resources, live events, and mentoring from professional poets.
Visiting schools
Lottie, who is the founder and director of Lemon Jelly Press CIC, will be visiting schools to share poetry, run creative workshops, and inspire children to find their own voices through writing.
She will also be drawing on her newly released children’s poetry collection, A Little Book of Awesome Poems, which mixes fun, silly rhymes with more meaningful pieces about feelings and everyday life.
Some of these poems will be performed and explored in her school visits, helping to make poetry accessible, playful, and relevant for young readers.
IW Poet Laureate programme
Beyond her work with the national programme, Lottie is also spearheading the creation of the Isle of Wight’s first official Poet Laureate programme, launching early next year.
This new Island-wide role will give poets opportunities to work in schools, libraries, and community spaces, while celebrating the Island’s cultural and creative life.
Young Poet Laureate programm
The Young Poet Laureate programme offers:
- Free classroom resources and lesson plans
- Young Poets Week (24th–28th November) featuring online masterclasses with poets Laura Mucha, Zohab Zee Khan, Karl Nova and Nikita Gill
- A chance for schools to receive one of 120 free in-person poet visits for an interactive poetry assembly
- Opportunities for pupils to apply to become regional Young Poet Laureates and represent their area nationally
Begg: Thrilled to be part of such an inspiring initiative
Lottie Begg said,
“I’m thrilled to be part of such an inspiring initiative. Poetry can give children a new way to express themselves, boost their confidence, and help them see the world differently.
“Having the chance to share my own poems with schools and encourage pupils to create their own feels like a real privilege.
“And with the Isle of Wight’s first Poet Laureate programme launching early next year, it’s a very exciting time to be celebrating poetry both nationally and locally.”
Schools across England can register for the Young Poet Laureate programme free of charge.
News shared by Lottie, in her own words. Ed
