Reading Challenge expanding

More young people will be able to get involved in the First Minister’s Reading Challenge as it expands to include secondary schools, libraries and community groups.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made the announcement at Riverside Primary School in Stirling – the winner of the School and Community Partnership Reading Journey award for its participation in the challenge.

An evaluation of the programme’s first year found the response from schools and families has been overwhelmingly positive.

The First Minister said:

“Raising attainment is at the heart of  the Scottish Government’s work and reading for pleasure from an early age can help develop children’s literacy. That is why I launched the First Minister’s Reading Challenge and I’m thrilled it has received such positive feedback from schools, teachers and pupils.

“Riverside Primary School is a fantastic example of how schools have tailored the Reading Challenge to suit their own needs, resulting in a positive reading culture in the school.

“I want to ensure the Reading Challenge continues to grow and have a positive impact on children so I have accepted all of the recommendations of the Reading Challenge Advisory Group which are based on the evaluation and look forward to another successful year of reading.”

Riverside Primary School Headteacher Kay Robertson said:

 “We signed up to the Reading Challenge to further inspire our children in their love of reading and help us raise attainment and it’s been a tremendous success. We were delighted to win the Community Partnership award last year, recognising the dedication of our staff, children and members of the wider community.

 “We’re really proud of our refurbished school library which is used by the children on a daily basis and is also available for members of the community to use to promote inter-generational reading activities.”

 Background

The evaluation for 2016-17 and the Advisory Group’s full recommendations are available online.

 The First Minister’s Reading Challenge is delivered through Scottish Book Trust, funded by the Scottish Government.