Summer Reading Challenge: free resources for digitally-isolated pupils

With the disruption caused by Covid-19 and the impact of social distancing on schools and public libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge will return for 2020 with a new website, where children aged 4 – 11 can take part in the Challenge and a "Let's Get Silly" virtual launch event that the whole family can enjoy.

The Challenge will launch earlier than usual to keep children reading over the summer and support parents and carers with children already at home. This year it will be running from June to September 2020.  Although library buildings are closed, libraries will also continue to deliver the Challenge through virtual services and e-lending platforms.

While the online platform offers a great way for all to engage whether reading e-books or downloading activities, it is not helpful for those families where there is limited or no access to the digital world.

Here in Warwickshire, we would like to engage primary age children who might find themselves digitally isolated, by offering them the chance to join up through schools.

To do this, we are able to supply some physical materials for those pupils who would benefit, including collector wallets and stickers, as well as certificates for completing the challenge.

If you would like to take part and receive a small supply of these resources free of charge, please get in touch with stellathebridge@warwickshire.gov.uk no later than Friday 22 May, with the following information:

1. Contact email, name of school and contact at the school we can liaise with
2. Estimate of the number of children across the school in this category, and if possible, the number in each year group.

As we have a limited supply of resources these will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis however where a school requests a significantly high number we may look at reducing this to give other schools the chance to receive some supplies.

We are unfortunately unable to send out resources in bulk but can provide supplies based on the estimated numbers you provide. We expect those families with internet access to join children online at home and to download their own resources. 

If your school is allocated the materials, we will get back to you with full details of how to run the Challenge this year.