Decision details

(TAKE IN REPORT BY THE HEAD OF CITY DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL SERVICES)

David Percival, Learning and Engagement Manager introduced the report. He introduced Annie Gunthorpe, Headteacher at Westover Primary School whose school had a high participation in the Summer Reading Challenge.   Mrs Gunthorpe explained the importance of the Summer Reading Challenge and some of the reasons why participation was so high in the school including the school being in close proximity to a library.  Mrs Gunthorpe said she was happy to assist officers where she was able with improving participation for next year's challenge and gave a few suggestions to improve the Challenge including:

·         Locate the mobile library near those schools that have a low participation in the Summer Reading Challenge.

·         Publicise the dates/times of the location of the mobile library to schools before the schools break up for the summer.

·         The increase of e books would remove the barriers for children to complete the Challenge.

·         Schools to have a suggested reading book for specific year groups.

·         Have a couple of texts where children are required to find a specific piece of information in the book which will encourage them to keep reading.

·         Promote the Summer Reading Challenge through the headteachers conference.

In response to a question about how to embed this into each schools improvement plan, it was felt that officers needed to target those schools with low participation.  Other avenues needed to be sought to reach parents to encourage them to support their children with the reading challenge. In response to a question regarding reasons why some schools have low participation rates, it was suggested that not being in close proximity to a library could be a reason.

Members felt the Summer Reading Challenge was an excellent idea and thanked Annie Gunthorpe for attending the meeting and her suggestions.


DECISION

That the Library and Archive Service engage directly with schools, to explore how pupil participation in the Summer Reading Challenge can be increased.  This will include embedding it in school improvement plans; targeting those schools with lower levels of participation and specific year groups or pupils.