Six primary schools in Haverhill received a visit from Haverhill Mayor Bruce Davidson last week, joining Get Suffolk Reading to recognise and reward pupils improving their literacy skills.
More than 60 pupils were chosen to meet Mayor Davidson from Westfield Primary Academy, Coupals Primary Academy, New Cangle Community Primary, Place Farm Primary Academy, Burton End Primary Academy and St Felix RCVA Primary School on Thursday 26 January.
The children chosen had been identified by their schools as making a special effort with their literacy skills; some focused on improving their own speaking, listening, reading or writing, while others have been supporting their peers in the classroom. Each child was awarded a certificate for their work and gifted a book to enjoy.
This day of visits is part of a new initiative by Get Suffolk Reading and the Mayor. Two further days of visiting will take place on Thursday 9 February and Thursday 2 March to support schools in engaging pupils and parents with literacy.
Suzanne Stevenson, Get Suffolk Reading Project Manager for Haverhill, said: “It was brilliant to get the chance to visit schools in Haverhill to celebrate literacy. Praise and recognition gives individual children and their families a feeling of achievement and pride which further encourages their learning, and it’s lovely to hear that pupils were excited to be chosen to meet the Mayor.
“Visiting six schools in one day was quite the feat, but so valuable, especially with the Mayor alongside us to encourage pupils to aspire and achieve.”
Suzanne Stevenson, Get Suffolk Reading Project Manager for Haverhill