Peterborough primary schools receive ‘instant libraries’ to support pupils impacted by coronavirus

The initiative supports children whose literacy and learning has been affected by Covid-19.

Old Fletton Primary, St Michael’s Church School, Paston Ridings Primary and Queen’s Drive Infant School will receive 30 brand new books published by Penguin Random House as well as engaging reading and writing activities that can be used in the classroom and at home.

Schools will also receive National Literacy Trust membership for one year, giving teachers access to hundreds of resources, school improvement tools and online training.

The initiative is supported by bestselling and award-winning children’s authors and illustrators Sam Copeland, Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola.

In addition to receiving an instant library containing Sam’s Charlie Changes into a Chicken and Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola’s Look Up!, some schools may receive visits from the trio later this academic year if social distancing measures allow them to do so.

Moreover, a series of storytelling videos featuring the trio that were created for Puffin Storytime this summer are also available for schools to access for free to help inspire pupils’ love of reading all year round.

Rachel Hopcroft, head of corporate affairs at KPMG, said: “We are delighted to be launching the second phase of our Reading the Future campaign this week, in conjunction with the National Literacy Trust.

“Helping improve literacy levels across the UK has long been at the heart of our corporate responsibility agenda, and now, during this time of crisis, it is more important than ever that we work together to address the widening disadvantage gap.

“Business can have an enormous impact, especially when working alongside fantastic charities such as the National Literacy Trust; whether that’s through leveraging networks, offering resources, volunteering time or expertise.

“I’m delighted KPMG volunteers will be supporting Reading the Future schools through virtual storytelling to bring this fantastic collection of books to life and develop essential literacy skills.”

Sally Atkinson, manager for Peterborough Reads, said: “Last year, more than half (52 per cent) of Peterborough’s 11-year-olds on free school meals left school unable to read well.

“KMPG’s instant libraries will open doors for pupils to develop a love of reading. Access to books can be transformative for a child’s future prospects, benefiting attainment and wellbeing, not to mention the fictional worlds they’ll be able to explore.”