Melissa Thom is passionate about helping Bristol's children to become radio broadcasters through her Radio in Schools project.

She believes many schools could help their children by using podcasts and radio clips to replace writing in lessons.

"Radio is so often overlooked," she said.

"The Government rightly puts money into television and film but there does not seem to be the same investment in radio. That is a pity, because it is such an accessible form of media.

"It is ideal for use in schools. Children are familiar with it. There are probably several sets in their homes and they are used to people listening to different stations."

Melissa's Radio in Schools project aims to help pupils make and share audio clips with their parents and the wider community.

With the backing of Global Radio, the parent company of GWR FM, and Bristol digital design agency Nomos Media, she has released an easy-to-use package aimed at colleges, universities and youth organisations as well as schools.

But her intention is not to turn every child into a radio presenter, reporter or a DJ.

She believes using speech rather than the written word can give a purpose to many areas of work.

Melissa, 31, used her background in radio and a spell working with the Bristol-based project Read A Million Words to develop literacy packages and other lesson plans.

She has also built in a wealth of resources which are backed by radio professionals.

"I really want to demystify the whole process," she said.

"Radio in Schools is a podcasting platform – but while children might know what that means, many teachers and parents will not.

"Podcasting is simply a piece of audio, as short or as long as you like, usually with a function to subscribe to it.

"Anyone with a computer and access to the internet can use our scheme to record and edit audio online. They don't need any technical equipment or specialist knowledge.

"We are using USB podcasting microphones, which seem to incentivise the children, but you can use it just with your computer mic."

Melissa has tried out Radio in Schools in six Bristol schools with children from six years old and found it went down fantastically.

"A lot of the time it is the children who are training the adults – but even teachers who are not keen on computer technology have picked it up quickly," she said.

Teachers in the pilot schools reported that the project was especially popular with boys.

"They find they can produce a meaningful outcome to their work without having to write reams and reams," said Melissa.

She stressed that children could not put work on the web without authorisation – teachers act as "gatekeepers".

Children also have the chance to develop key skills through editing, producing and presenting podcasts.

Ayleen Driver, Bristol City Council's strategic manager for information and communication technology, believes the project can help all schools.

"Radio in Schools helps empower learners of all ages and abilities. The web-based Virtual Studio is beautifully simple and the fact no one has to go out and buy loads of software is brilliant.

"All young people have stories to tell and views to share. It is our job as educators to help them utilise digital technologies as well as the more conventional methods of communication.

"It is hard to be a disaffected student if you can communicate effectively with your community in your chosen medium."

Heather Morris, literacy co-ordinator at Burnbush Primary in Stockwood, said the scheme had endless possibilities.

"We're already planning to record audio newsletters to put on the school website for parents to access instead of sending home paper copies.

"Audio newsletters will also be really useful for those parents who have limited reading or English skills."

Schools can showcase the best podcasts on their own Radio in Schools home page and link these to their school website.

The not-for-profit scheme has the backing of GWR's breakfast show presenters, Andy Bush and Paris Troy, who are giving schools the opportunity to win a professional podcasting workshop and will broadcast highlights on their show.

Bush and Troy's involvement is fitting – Melissa started her career as a breakfast show presenter, at Gemini radio in Devon.

During her four years there she ran radio workshops in schools.

After a spell in India, she moved to Bristol in 2004 and continued developing workshops with GWR.

The project has potential to reach a much wider audience through the internet. It launched in Bristol this week and goes national in February.

"It is such an exciting project. It offers high quality, engaging resources and it is low cost, so the barriers to entry will be low," said Melissa.

Schools can try it out free for a month then the cost is tiered, with a small school paying £290 a year and a large comprehensive £675.

For more details on the Bristol-based initiative go to www.radioinschools.co.uk or call Melissa Thom on 900 5388.