A nursery has become the first in Renfrewshire to receive a national reading award.
Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class (ELCC) have been granted Reading Schools ELC accreditation.
Scottish Book Trust run the successful Reading Schools ELC programme. It aims to change lives with reading and writing by supporting nurseries to build reading cultures. This ensures children are surrounded by books, stories, songs and rhymes as part of their daily lives. Nurseries encourage reading by creating cosy book nooks, outdoor libraries, and more.
For the award, Bridge of Weir ELCC had to show strong reading leadership. Staff and children worked together to create a reading-rich environment. Families are also part of the reading programme.
Children are encouraged to share and recommend stories with each other. This supports them to develop a lifelong love of reading from a young age.
A special celebration event was held to celebrate the achievement. Children’s author Alastair Chisholm visited and read from his book Inch and Grub. Children also enjoyed a visit from Bookbug as part of the celebrations.
Donna Luke, Depute Head of Centre, Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class, said:
“Thank you to Debbie and all the staff at the Scottish Book Trust. They have supported us the whole way through the process for our Reading Schools ELCC Accreditation.
“We are so very proud of our children, staff and local community who have all helped us reach this milestone. Supporting and promoting children’s love of songs, rhyme and stories should not be a race, but a journey to nurture a lifelong love of reading.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:
“We are thrilled that Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare class has achieved the honour of being the first nursery within Renfrewshire to be accredited.
“A Reading Schools ELC accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for learners, staff and families, and achieving this status is a way of recognising and celebrating everyone’s commitment to making the most of books, stories, songs and rhymes and the many benefits that these bring to our youngest learners.”
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council Education Convener, said:
“This is a fantastic achievement and one everyone should be proud of. My congratulations go to everyone at Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class. Staff, children and families have shown dedication. They’ve made reading an important part of everyday life.
“Developing a love of reading from an early age helps children build confidence. They develop creative and communication skills. These skills support them throughout their lives, both at school and beyond.”
