Manor Park Primary Academy Sees Improved Reading Attainment in their Most Reluctant Readers
Manor Park Primary, located in the London Borough of Sutton, is a three-form entry school an part of the LEO Academy Trust. Their mission statement of Confident Children Enjoying Learning is reflected in their commitment to child-centered learning offering a creative curriculum promoting independence with each child seen as a 'whole child’. Across all aspects of their engaging curriculum topics, they are committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in all aspects of its curriculum. Particularly with their Key Stage 1 pupils the SLT has been working tirelessly to instill a love of reading in its most reluctant readers, many of whom have limited access to books at home.
To address this challenge, the school decided to partner with Happier Every Chapter to provide a literacy intervention in the form of 44 monthly subscription boxes of diverse and inclusive books for their lowest attaining 20% of pupils. With the boxes including a carefully curated selection of engaging, age-appropriate bestsellers that reflect a diverse range of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, they are designed to help children develop a love for reading while also building their knowledge and empathy for different perspectives.
The impact of these book subscription boxes has been nothing short of transformative. Ms Nadine Williamson, the Headteacher of Manor Park Academy, has seen a remarkable change in her pupils' attitudes towards reading. "The children are so excited to receive their book packs each month and enjoy sharing them in school with their friends and with their families at home. Pupils are beginning to build their own libraries at home and positively talk about what they have read!", says Ms Williamson.
The subscription boxes have helped to create a culture of reading at the school, with pupils eagerly discussing the books they have received and sharing their opinions and thoughts with their peers. The books have sparked conversations about different cultures and experiences and have helped to broaden the pupils' understanding of the world around them.
Moreover, the subscription boxes have also helped to bridge the gap between home and school, as children are encouraged to take their books home and share them with their families. This has not only helped to promote reading at home but has also fostered a sense of community within the school, as parents and families with historically tedious parental engagement get a sense of an extra duty of care and are able to engage with their children's learning in a meaningful way.
The impact of these book subscription boxes has also been seen in the pupils' academic progress. As their love for reading has grown, so too has their confidence and ability to read and comprehend more complex texts. Many pupils who were previously struggling with reading have now made significant progress, and their teachers have noted a marked improvement in their engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
In conclusion, the diverse and inclusive book subscription boxes have had a profound impact on the pupils at Manor Park Academy. Not only have they helped to promote a love of reading and a deeper understanding of different cultures and experiences, but they have also helped to foster a sense of community and engagement between the school, pupils, and families. As Ms Williamson notes, "the book subscription boxes have been a game-changer for our school, and we are so grateful for the positive impact they have had on our pupils' learning and wellbeing."