I am Patron of Reading for Fairfield Prep!!

I am very pleased to announce that I have recently become the Patron of Reading for Fairfield Preparatory School in Loughborough.

If you haven't heard of it before, the Patron of Reading Scheme aims to create personal bonds between schools and designated authors or illustrators. 

The author (or illustrator) then works with the school on a regular basis to raise the profile of reading for pleasure.  This, in turn, improves reading standards and can also motivate children in creative writing and other activities.

Last week, I made my second visit to Fairfield Prep, following a very successful day on World Book Day.  It was lovely to see the children again and I hear that my visit was anticipated with much excitement!  I spent the day working with Year 2 children - reading stories and making up poems.

Martine Saperia, Pre-Prep English Co-ordinator said, "We are delighted to have Caryl as our Patron of Reading.  The children love the fact that they know a real live author!"

Personally, I think the Patron of Reading scheme is a brilliant idea.  It enables me to develop a proper relationship with both teachers and children.  It helps children see the relevance of reading and writing, and, perhaps more importantly, it helps them realise that even the professionals don't get things right straight away. 

"Seeing Caryl's exercise book from her own school days really helped one child understand that we all have to start somewhere, and not to be daunted by what might seem an impossible task.  Caryl was able to give the children individual attention which made such a difference to their confidence."

Both Martine and I are really looking forward to developing our relationship and to working together in the future. 

Find out more about the Patron of Reading Scheme
http://www.patronofreading.co.uk/