November 2023 saw Cheswardine Primary & Nursery School the latest primary school in Shropshire to be awarded a Leading in Reading accreditation award for their outstanding commitment to developing a reading for pleasure culture.

Acting Chair of Trustees, Jane Payton, says:

“Shropshire Bookfest has been facilitating literacy based activities for Shropshire primary schools for over 21 years. During this time we have worked alongside many inspiring, dedicated teachers committed to engaging all their pupils with a love of reading.”

The Leading in Reading accreditation scheme has been developed by Shropshire Bookfest in partnership with the University Centre Shrewsbury to recognise the real commitment shown by schools across the county in promoting reading for pleasure.

Cheswardine Primary & Nursery school was carefully assessed against a list of criteria, including evidence of strategies such as promoting reading for pleasure as central to the school’s policy and reading, celebration and advocacy involving all groups in the wider school community and providing ideas for promoting reading integrated into the school CPD programme.

This commitment has been evidenced through their active and continual participation in reading development initiatives delivered by Shropshire Bookfest as well as the delivery of reading activities personal to their own school.

Further, the school was inspected by Ofsted in October 2023 and was awarded a ‘Good’ rating with the Ofsted inspector Chris Wright saying “Leaders prioritise pupils’ personal development. Despite being a small, rural school, staff work hard to ensure that pupils get meaningful opportunities to deepen their learning and to try new things.” Click here to see the full report in the Shropshire Star.

Danielle Battams, teacher at Cheswardine Primary & Nursery School, was presented with the award at Shropshire Bookfest’s ‘The Sound of Reading’ conference at the University Centre Shrewsbury on 15th November 2023, saying:

Bookfest has ignited a passion for literature among our school children by providing them with direct access to renowned authors and illustrators. These interactions go beyond the pages of a book, creating a tangible connection between the creators and their audience.

The positive impact of Bookfest Shropshire on school children is nothing short of transformative. It kindles the flame of curiousity, broadens perspectives, enhances literacy skills and fosters a sense of community. You get to work alongside some of the most passionate and helpful school co-ordinators and volunteers who are always on hand to help in any way they can and inspire children whilst doing so.