Families at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chippenham have been joining their children for early morning reading breakfasts as part of the school’s Year of Reading.
Pupils across the school have taken part in the sessions, with parents and carers invited to arrive from 8am to enjoy books together before the school day begins. The reading breakfasts offer families the chance to share stories in a relaxed setting while enjoying a cup of coffee.
The school, which is part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, has also opened its library to families on Monday afternoons. Parents and children can choose books, explore the library and spend time reading together.
The activities aim to strengthen links between home and school while encouraging children to see reading as an enjoyable part of everyday life. Reading is at the heart of school life at St Mary’s, with pupils encouraged to read for pleasure, explore their imaginations and discover the enjoyment of shared stories.
Lucy Buckland, Headteacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said, “Our reading breakfasts have been a wonderful way to bring families into school and share special moments around books. It has been fantastic to see parents and carers joining their children, enjoying stories together and helping us build a community where reading is valued and celebrated.”
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, added, “Strong partnerships between schools and families play an important role in helping children thrive. Initiatives like these create opportunities for parents and carers to be part of their children’s education, while encouraging a love of reading that can continue well beyond the classroom.”
