On Thursday, March 2, it was World Book Day and this year’s theme at St Stephens Community Academy was ‘Snuggle up with a book’ and the children (and lots of staff) came to school dressed in their pyjamas.

Maura Furber, headteacher at St Stephens said: “We are passionate about promoting reading for pleasure. We wanted to offer every child at our school the opportunity to have a book of their own and develop their love of reading. Mrs Hooper, our English Lead, met with the House Captains and decided that we wanted to give the children the chance to swap books that they have previously enjoyed, with other children in the school. This is something that links really well with our work on climate change and sustainability.

“We were absolutely delighted to receive so many book donations that every child in the school (including pre-school) was able to take home a ‘swap book’ as well as their World Book Day £1 Book Token. Each class also held a ‘Reading Cafe’ from 2:45-3:15. This gave parents and carers the opportunity to come into their child’s class and to share books and stories with them.

The classes also took part in special book day events including interactive live author links , storytelling and linked book activities.

“We love reading! The more you read, the more you learn. What’s not to love?!”