The winning schools of a challenge which encourages Oldham children to read more books have been announced.
Each summer, Oldham Council runs the Summer Reading Competition during the school holidays, which four to 11 year olds can take part in for free.
The challenge aims to encourage youngsters to read a number of books, develop a love of reading from an early age and to prevent a dip in reading attainment during July and August.
In a bid to get as many schools involved as possible in this year’s event, £300 in book vouchers were on offer to three winning schools to help stock up their library’s shelves.
Out of 92 eligible schools, Hey with Zion Primary School had the highest pupil participation level, making it the fourth year in a row the school has won a prize.
Greenacres Primary School won the award for most engaged school, while St Martin's Church of England Primary School had the most improved participation level.
Ruth Titmuss, Reading and Writing Lead for Greenacres Primary, said the school was "absolutely thrilled" to have received the book tokens.
She added: “We really tried to engage more families with the reading challenge this year to ensure the children keep up their reading habits over the summer.
“Our very enthusiastic student reading ambassadors will now speak to each class to create a wish list of books they want to see in our library, which we’ll buy with our vouchers."
Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s reading challenge, and especially the schools who won the prizes and I hope their pupils enjoy the new books they’ll be getting.
“Schools are now starting to look out for the annual awards and we’ve been told it’s even started some friendly rivalry between them. Plus, children were excited to take part knowing that they might help win some vouchers for their schools.”
Over the course of the challenge, Oldham Libraries and Gallery Oldham welcomed 691 new child members and delivered 70 free exciting Marvellous Makers workshops which included author visits, adventure walks, performances, arts and drama to 2,752 attendees.
The reading challenge was successfully completed by 842 young people, who all received a medal and certificate.
Cllr Dean added: “It’s great news that the reading challenge has helped introduce young children and families to our superb libraries so they can explore the range of books and services available all year round.”
The book vouchers were funded by Information Resources (Oldham) Limited, Kajima Partnerships Limited and Infrared Capital Partners.
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