Summer Reading Challenge

Research has found that 1 in 5 children cannot read well by the age of 11, in addition many have a dip in their reading over the summer. The Summer Reading Challenge, produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries, has been proven to stop this as well as changing children's attitudes in a positive way towards reading and libraries. 

BookTrust: How does reading benefit children? (opens new window) has found that children who read for pleasure are more likely to:

• overcome disadvantage caused by inequalities
• be happier, healthier and experience better mental wellbeing and self-esteem
• do better at school and make more progress across the curriculum
• develop empathy and creativity

7,447 children took part in last year's Ready, Set, Read! Summer Reading Challenge with 77% saying that taking part had improved their reading, 44% saying it had improved 'a lot'. Approximately 1000 children also said that taking part in the challenge made them feel happy, want to read more and visit the library more.

A selection of comments received from parents and children about taking part in Ready, Set, Read! Summer Reading Challenge:

[my son] was initially reluctant to participate but after first visit has been enthusiastic and eager to come to the library. It has been lovely to see and hear her son, and others like him, develop their confidence and really come out of their shells with now being keen to come to the library more and read more books! (parent, Trowbridge)

Before doing the challenge, [my 7 year old son] used to get up in the morning and play, now he wakes up and reads! (parent, Salisbury)

I loved the reading challenge because it encouraged me to read more and made me feel patient with reading books (child aged 9 Amesbury)

Without this challenge my [6 year old] daughter didn't want to read! A brilliant summer challenge. (parent, Devizes)

[My 6 year old daughter] has gone up a level in reading through the challenge. (parent, Corsham)

The parent of a young child taking part in the SRC for the first time, told us how beneficial it is as her child won't normally talk to anyone but after interacting with one of our volunteers went home and couldn't stop talking about the challenge and has been busy reading when normally she doesn't (Marlborough library staff)

We had a great time reading more together as a family. (Malmesbury)

The Summer Reading Challenge is intrinsically inclusive and can contribute to the achievement of all your pupils including those with special educational needs, disadvantaged pupils and the most able.

• it enhances and supports your school's reading policy and your mission for all children to read more widely and for pleasure
• it encourages parental engagement and family involvement in reading and helps your school make links with the library and the wider community
• it can be the start of a child's reading journey and prevent the tendency for children's reading to dip over the holidays
• it takes place at your local library and is a brilliant opportunity for extra-curricular activity
• there are lots of school resources on The Reading Agency (opens new window) website

Each year we rely on volunteers to help support the children taking part in the challenge. Responsibilities include registering children, accurately recording progress, giving out incentives, listening to and encouraging children as they talk about their reading. By volunteering you could gain valuable experience to add to your CV and/or UCAS application, support your local community, make a real difference to a child's attitude to reading and have fun in the process.

We are looking in particular for outgoing and enthusiastic  volunteers who are reliable, friendly and patient, plus able to confidently talk to and empathise with children and their families. Library membership, an interest in reading and some knowledge of children's books is desirable.

If you think this could be you contact your local library for more information or email libraryenquiries@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window).

The Reading Agency manages the challenge nationally, find out more about the The Reading Agency: Summer Reading Challenge (opens new window).