READING CLUBS FOR VULNERABLE PUPILS
- 10 hour after-school programme for vulnerable pupils (Looked After, Child in Need, Child Protection, Early Help Assessment Tool, attendance below 95%)
- £1000 funding per group to cover staffing/resources
- Primary groups include an after-school visit to the Storybarn at Calderstones Park
- Resource banks available featuring plans, ideas, book-lists, questions to support discussion
- Email and face-to-face support from LLP Reading Coordinator
- 53 clubs currently established- 35 primary, 11 secondary, 7 special
- 27 further schools in application process
- Currently developing a programme for Nursery Schools
Feedback from the schools
The padlet has been really useful in helping to get us started. I have used it to find out what kinds of books the children would like to read and they have done their own research to find the book they would like to study. We settled on"Mr Gum and the Secret Hideout" which they have been really enjoying! We look forward to our visit to the Story Barn.
Knotty Ash Primary School
The children were very protective of each other, ensuring that the younger members had everything they needed and were given an opportunity to speak and read if they wanted to. One little boy was very loud when he spoke to the group and one family member pointed out that using a loud voice in front of her little sister frightened her. He adapted the way he spoke to the group and became quieter to ensure he didn’t upset the child. The children loved the attention they received from the familiar adult and the opportunity to chat about the book and to be listened to read. Even the less able readers volunteered to read aloud without fear of being judged.
The online resources were useful and gave a structure to the club. We included a creative aspect by making the characters out of craft materials or material. This encouraged the children to role play, retelling the story. The funding was extremely helpful as it enabled us to buy age appropriate and attractive books that encouraged the children to read for pleasure.
Pinehurst Primary School
The reading club is great. The children are really enjoying it! The plans are great on the site you have provided and really easy to follow. The children are loving being a part of the reading club.
St Cecilia’s Junior School
Liaising with Jenny over texts to read has been excellent help. Pupils have responded very well to the Barrington Stoke texts for teenagers. Pupils’ engagement has exceeded expectation with pupils wishing to carry on even once the 10 weeks are up. Pupils even want to write book reviews and perhaps even create a newsletter with recommendations for good reads and book reviews. I have seen a huge improvement in the confidence of the pupils in terms of both their interactions with each other, but also academically. Pupils who ‘hated reading’ are now volunteering to read aloud without even being asked and this enthusiasm seems to be infectious with their friends in class who don’t attend as well. I have heard some pupils even boasting about the books we are reading and advertising the club to their friends!
Broadgreen International School
The children seem really happy and engaged in the sessions. One moment that stands out is when we read a text called The Dot, one of the pupils in the group is very under-confident and struggles with his emotions. He often gives up and doesn’t believe in himself. In this session he said that he felt the book reminded him that you can do anything if you try. The next week he chose The Lion Inside and said that he liked the fact that it had a similar message to remind you that anyone can do anything. Since joining the club he has shown improved work rates in class and we have seen less flashpoint moments where he gives up.
Pleasant Street Primary School
I think the reading scheme is a fantastic idea- the reading for pleasure clubs have provided our pupils with short fun and engaging sessions which can be adapted to include all pupils no matter of their ability. It has been very successful in providing a daily session where children feel excited to learn, engaged in sessions, have opportunities to share time with peers across the school, learn new skills and have fun!
Millstead Primary School
The children so enjoyed their visit to the Storybarn; what an inspiring place!
Thank you for organising the trip for us; I have a feeling we will be planning to return sometime in the near future.
Windsor Community Primary School
The resources purchased were great and supported engagement with stories and reading across the school - fostering an enjoyment of reading.
Princes Primary School
We are absolutely loving our Reading Club and the kids are too. We will definitely continue with another group once we've finished our ten week block.
Greenbank Primary School