Schools celebrate awards in Wiltshire Year of Reading
Scheme aims to boost children's love of the written word
Several local schools have received an award under a Wiltshire Council run scheme which aims to promote a love of reading
The Wiltshire Year of Reading was launched in September to encourage people of all ages to delve into reading and the scheme involves schools, libraries and communities.
All schools in the county were invited to sign up to the reading awards scheme that aims to enhance reading in each school through a series of achievements to tick off along the way. The scheme is different for primary and secondary and features a range of milestones to reach bronze, silver and gold. Early years settings also have a range of books to cover to start children learning from an early age.
Ludgershall Castle primary school was one of just four to get a silver award meanwhile Alderbury and West Grimstead Cof E in Alderbury, All Saints C of E in Netheravon and St Thomas à Becket Cof E in Tilshead scooped a bronze.
Lavington School was the only secondary to pick up an accolade taking a bronze.
Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said:
“I am delighted that so many schools have signed up to take part in the Wiltshire Year of Reading and it is fantastic that some schools have now completed both the bronze and silver awards.
“At Wiltshire Council we are committed to ensuring that all young people get the best start in life. The Covid restrictions and lockdowns over the last few years have had a significant impact on learning across all year groups. As schools work hard to ensure pupils catch up and have a strong education, we have sought to support them through the introduction of the Wiltshire Year of Reading.”
Schools who achieve the gold award can become ‘beacon reading schools’, sharing their outstanding practice within others.