UK Reading rates in primary age children are poor. The statistics show that reading poverty exists with up to 1 in 5 children in primary education not having access to books at home.
More than 187,000 children each year in the UK leave primary school without reaching the expected reading levels. Imagine the impact this has one a secondary school pupil when reading is the key to learning.
I want to make a difference to these statistics by setting up a community library that gives our primary aged children access to books, support of a reading hub where we can encourage a love for reading, not just through their school issued books, but through books they choose that interest them.
I would start by installing a library system and issue every primary school child with their own school library card.
I would catalogue every book in the school and organise it so that children could browse by interests and choose books they want to read - and take it home!
This alone gives children access to books they didn't have access to before.
I would then build a cabin on the school grounds where we can provide a book club for children to enjoy at lunch times - supported by older children to encourage the love for reading. Create an after school social once a week so that children can bring their parents in to come and read with them - before the daily grind kicks in at home.
I would furnish it in bright colours, with beanbags and plush rugs with a snug feeling so children have a comfort space to get lost in their imaginations.
Children with higher reading levels achieve better in their spelling, writing, creativity and comprehension. All valuable skills that will see them succeed in their futures. I'd like to add an empty book so that our children can add their ideas and by the end of each school year we will have written our own school book!