Year 5 children bounce for books

Bouncing children were very much welcome at one of our primary schools recently as they were helping to raise cash to provide reading resources.

Children from Reception to Year 5 at Chestnut Park took part in our first ever Bounce for Books, and they raised more than £1,500 which will provide new books for everyone to enjoy.

Each child had a timed bouncing session on an inflatable castle, and their individual bounces were counted by Year 6 pupils who acted as both umpires and tally counters for the event.

“It was an exciting mix of energetic jumping, school spirit and a shared mission to raise money for reading,” said Michelle Staples, Associate Deputy Headteacher. “We didn’t set a strict fundraising target at the start, but the enthusiasm from both pupils and parents quickly surpassed all expectations."

She added: "The impressive total raised reflects the community’s deep commitment to our reading culture."

The money will provide new books for class libraries, diverse and inclusive titles to broaden representation, high quality reading resources and author-themed collections to support the reading for pleasure initiative. Comprehension and guided reading texts matched to pupil needs are also on the list.

“The sight of children queuing in anticipation, bouncing with all their might and cheering one another on created a sense of real community," Miss Staples continued. "From the smallest Reception pupils to confident Year 5s, every child bounced with joy and purpose."

“We recognise the critical role that access to engaging, age-appropriate and diverse books play in children’s journeys.

"By fundraising through this joyful event we aimed to replenish and expand our book collections, ensuring all students have access to inspiring reading materials that nurture a lifelong love of reading.”

The event proved to be such a hit that the English Team is considering making it an annual initiative and a cherished highlight of the school calendar.