Stoke-on-Trent’s best young readers have been celebrated with an award recognising their success in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
The Stoke-on-Trent Centenary Schools’ Summer Reading Challenge Championship Shield has been awarded to the school with the highest percentage of students completing the Summer Reading Challenge at their local library.
The Summer Reading Challenge is developed by The Reading Agency and delivered through public libraries across the country. It encourages children to keep reading throughout the summer holidays and helps them discover new stories, authors and interests.
The inaugural shield has been awarded to St Teresa's Catholic Primary School in Trent Vale. The prize was presented by Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, who visited the school to announce their win and present the shield.
Councillor Steve Watkins, Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “It’s an honour to have presented the very first Summer Reading Challenge Championship Shield.
"As we celebrate 100 years of city status – celebrating where we’ve come from and where we’re going – it’s really important to remember that children are the future of our city. Reading sparks curiosity and creativity, giving us a brilliant foundation for the next 100 years and beyond.”
Councillor Sarah Hill, cabinet member for finance, anti-poverty and corporate services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Childhood reading is crucial for developing language skills, boosting critical thinking and improving academic performance. Reading can take children anywhere around the world or through time, all from the pages of a book.
"Initiatives like this encourage children to read for pleasure and I hope this new library shield will inspire some healthy competition between schools to help more children complete the Summer Reading Challenge each year.”
This year saw a 57 per cent increase in the number of children signing up for the Summer Reading Challenge and a 148 per cent increase in those completing it.
For more information on Stoke-on-Trent Libraries go to: www.stoke.gov.uk/libraries
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