Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Reading Schools accreditation delivered
Twelve schools in West Lothian are the first in Scotland to achieve their Reading Schools accreditation. Run by Scottish Book Trust, the national charity changing lives through reading and writing, and funded by the Scottish Government and in partnership with Education Scotland, Reading Schools is a new accreditation programme for schools that are committed to building a culture of reading for their learners and communities.
Research proves that reading for pleasure has positive impacts on learners' attainment across the curriculum, supporting wellbeing, critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience. The programme provides a clear framework for improvement and support to helps schools ignite a love of reading, as well as creating opportunities for professional development and collaboration within and between schools and the wider community.
Reading Schools provides an option for educational settings to advance to silver and gold status, and the programme also encourages collaboration within and between schools. Those who sign up to the accreditation receive resources, training and support from Scottish Book Trust. The programme will be rolled out across Scotland from August this year.
An evaluation report conducted on the Reading Schools pilot (2019-2020) found that 80% of teachers agreed that taking part in the programme helped their school to support learners who are not enthusiastic readers. 85% agreed that taking part in Reading Schools helped learners to develop a love of reading and 70% agreed that taking part in Reading Schools supported learners’ attainment.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Not only does Reading Schools help pupils to develop a love of reading, but it also supports learners’ health and wellbeing, which is crucial during current circumstances. The feedback for the Reading Schools accreditation programme has been fantastic and we’re pleased that so many schools in Forth Valley have earned their gold, silver and core results. Congratulations from all of us at Scottish Book Trust, and we look forward to more schools achieving their accreditation.”
The schools in West Lothian to be accredited are Croftmalloch Primary School, Greenrigg Primary School, Livingston Village Primary School, Polkemmet Primary School, West Calder High School, Knightsridge Primary School, Whitburn Academy, Letham Primary School, Longridge Primary School, Riverside Primary School and Whitdale Primary School.
Emma Ballantyne, Headteacher at Peel Primary School, said: “The Reading Schools programme has provided a platform to focus our whole school community on the power of reading for pleasure and of a reading culture.”