Transforming Reading Culture & Inclusion at Vernon Terrace Primary School

Delivering representative reading, targeted intervention, and whole-school belonging since 2022

Vernon Terrace Primary School, a one-form entry school in Northampton, serves a beautifully diverse community. With two specialist SEND bases one for pupils who are deaf or partially hearing, and one for children with SEMH needs the leadership team is deeply committed to ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and supported to thrive.

Yet even with strong relational practice and committed teachers, their reading provision faced a challenge shared by many UK schools.

The Challenge

The school library did not reflect the lived experiences, cultures, neurodiversity, or physical differences of the children walking through its doors every day.

Leaders also identified a significant number of pupils well beyond those receiving Pupil Premium who had limited or no access to books at home. This was directly affecting:

• Reading engagement and attainment

• Reading confidence

• Ability to access wider curriculum

• Feelings of identity, belonging, and self-worth

Some pupils in Year 5 were reading at a Year 2 level. The school needed a tailored, inclusive reading solution that would address both representation and reading gaps simultaneously.

The Solution 

Happier Every Chapter partnered with Vernon Terrace Primary to deliver a targeted, high-impact reading programme using our inclusive book subscription boxes and thematic book bundles.

What We Delivered:

Personalised book boxes for identified KS1 and KS2 pupils, delivered every other month covering a different theme each time. Each box included:

• • 2 diverse and inclusive books, matched to each child’s reading level

  • Activity sheets that extend reading into writing, comprehension, and creativity

  • 1–2 motivational gifts to build excitement and reading joy

• Bespoke themed bundles to support curriculum needs or address emerging gaps

• Creative Writing Workshops and Author Visits to strengthen confidence, literacy skills, and personal voice

The impact was immediate and lasting.

The Transformation

Representation that matters:

“I have heard children say ‘the character in the book looks like me’, something they could not have said before we had books from Happier Every Chapter.” Julie Cassiano, Headteacher

Dramatic improvement in reading engagement:

“Happier Every Chapter has transformed our school’s reading culture. As a KS2 teacher and Assistant Head, I’ve seen reading engagement rise by 30–50% through their monthly book packs and Creative Writing Workshops.”  J. Marlow, Assistant Headteacher

Impact on belonging, confidence & aspiration

“Their books inspire empathy and belonging, while workshops turn even reluctant readers into confident storytellers. Their work bridges home and school reading, fostering true reading joy.”  J. Marlow, Assistant Headteacher

High-quality provision that fits school budgets

“The books are tailored to individual needs… The excitement children show when they open them is a pleasure to see. Working with Happier Every Chapter has enabled us to source high-quality books to share with our school community.” Julie Cassiano, Headteacher

Top Benefits Identified by School Leaders

✔️ Expert support & guidance on reading requests, representation, and reading-level match
✔️ Exceptional-quality inclusive books priced with tight school budgets in mind
✔️ A friendly, responsive team that communicates clearly and delivers efficiently

“Absolutely would recommend Happier Every Chapter. Excellent company with knowledgeable and friendly staff, excellent-quality books, fair pricing, and efficient delivery.” J. Marlow, Assistant Headteacher

Is Your School Facing Similar Challenges?

If improving reading attainment particularly for the lowest-attaining 20% or diversifying your book provision is a priority this year, Happier Every Chapter can help.

📩 Get in touch: hello@happiereverychapter.com