Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class has become the first nursery in Renfrewshire to receive Reading Schools ELC accreditation.
The national award, run by the Scottish Book Trust, recognises nurseries that create strong reading cultures by surrounding children with books, stories, songs and rhymes as part of everyday life.
To achieve the accreditation, Bridge of Weir ELCC demonstrated strong reading leadership. Staff and children worked together to create a reading-rich environment, while families also played an active role in the programme.
Children are encouraged to share and recommend stories with each other to help develop a lifelong love of reading from an early age.
A celebration event marked the achievement. Children’s author Alastair Chisholm visited the nursery and read from his book Inch and Grub. Children also enjoyed a visit from Bookbug.
Donna Luke, Depute Head of Centre at Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class, said: “Thank you to Debbie and all the staff at the Scottish Book Trust. They have supported us the whole way through the process for our Reading Schools ELCC Accreditation.
“We are so very proud of our children, staff and local community who have all helped us reach this milestone. Supporting and promoting children’s love of songs, rhyme and stories should not be a race, but a journey to nurture a lifelong love of reading.”
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “We are thrilled that Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare class has achieved the honour of being the first nursery within Renfrewshire to be accredited.
“A Reading Schools ELC accreditation is a fantastic accomplishment for learners, staff and families, and achieving this status is a way of recognising and celebrating everyone’s commitment to making the most of books, stories, songs and rhymes and the many benefits that these bring to our youngest learners.”
Councillor Emma Rodden, Renfrewshire Council’s Education Convener, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and one everyone should be proud of. My congratulations go to everyone at Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class. Staff, children and families have shown dedication. They’ve made reading an important part of everyday life.
“Developing a love of reading from an early age helps children build confidence. They develop creative and communication skills. These skills support them throughout their lives, both at school and beyond.”
Headline photo: Bridge of Weir ELCC children meet Bookbug.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Author Alastair Chisholm reads his book Inch and Grub to Bridge of Weir ELCC children.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Author Alastair Chisholm reads his book Inch and Grub to Bridge of Weir ELCC children.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Author Alastair Chisholm reads his book Inch and Grub to Bridge of Weir ELCC children.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Author Alastair Chisholm presents Donna Luke, Depute Head of Centre at Bridge of Weir ELCC, with the Reading Schools trophy.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Graham Duffy, Depute Head at Bridge of Weir Primary School; Zoe Davies, Depute Head at Bridge of Weir Primary School; Kirsty Forest, Education Psychologist at Renfrewshire Council; Sandra Brackenridge, Depute Head at Lochwinnoch ELCC; Susan Bell, Head Teacher at Bridge of Weir Primary School; and Donna Luke, Depute Head at Bridge of Weir ELCC.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Jennifer O’Hara, Education Manager for ELCCs at Renfrewshire Council; author Alastair Chisholm; and Donald and Beth Hepburn of Bridge of Weir Horticultural Society and Gardening Club.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council
Photo: Author Alastair Chisholm and Donna Luke, Depute Head of Centre at Bridge of Weir ELCC.
Photo Credit: Renfrewshire Council