At the end of Term 1 Siddington C of E Primary School received the wonderful news that they had the available funds to proceed with a much-anticipated school library.

Initially, the project was proposed to the school PTA at their annual general meeting.  They began fundraising with enthusiasm. Their efforts have meant that the building, set aside for the library space, can now be decorated, and fitted out with suitable shelving.  A Siddington school parent has kindly offered to paint the walls and the children will be creating a mural to complete this stage of the project.

Additional generous donations from parents and a sponsored read over the half term break has ensured that school staff can purchase the books needed to develop the school’s culture of reading for pleasure. Katie Cook, Headteacher: ‘We want to provide a range of fiction and non-fiction books that the children may otherwise not have access to.’ 

The school staff will work alongside the pupils to choose subjects that they are interested in and want to read about. The school will also provide books in the library that enhance what the children have been learning about in class, giving them opportunities to be curious and develop the skill of ‘reading to learn’.

‘This has been a real school community effort. The teachers wanted to offer a library that would enrich the curriculum and develop the breadth of reading materials available at the school. Parents have really supported us in bringing the project together. We cannot wait to see the children making use of the space.’ Katie Cook, Headteacher.

Over the next twelve months the school will continue to raise funds to develop the library space further.  

‘This is a really exciting development for the school and represents a real community effort. The new library will definitely help put reading at the heart of the curriculum. I know this is very important to Katie Cook, Headteacher and her staff.’  Chiquita Henson, Chief Executive