“It was an honour and a privilege to be invited to open the wonderful new KS2 library at Simpson’s Lane Academy.  What a fantastic place – so warm and welcoming and full of things to excite and inspire the children about reading. After I cut the ribbon, I  wanted to curl up with a good book on one of the comfy bean-bags and stay there for the rest of the day!  The school’s passion for books and reading was in evidence everywhere, from the KS1 and KS2 libraries and their librarians, and the brilliant corridor book-nooks – my favourite was the Sir David Attenborough book-nook – to the book-themed wall displays and outdoor stages encouraging creative play.

And I love the idea of your ‘Starbooks’ loyalty scheme. I’m sure with such an amazing choice of books on offer in the library and across the school, and with the evident passion you all have to encourage students to get reading, it will only be a matter of time before you’ve got a whole host of new ‘Starbooks’ Ambassadors eager to spread the word that reading can be fun as well as educational.

It was also a great personal pleasure to meet your Year 6 pupils and to have the chance to answer their questions about reading, writing and all things Black Powder. What a lovely, enthusiastic bunch!

Thank you again for the warm welcome and all the bookish creativity and fun. Happy Reading everyone!”