1. Please note: the video trailer will be added to this presentation at the end of May 2017
Thank you for promoting and participating in The Summer Reading Challenge, Please contact your local library staff for more information.
The links within this presentation will only work when you are in slide show mode.
You will need access to the internet when using this slide show for the links to work.

2. The Summer Reading Challenge The Summer Reading Challenge
The Summer Reading Challenge takes place every year in libraries over the summer holidays.
Each year the Challenge has a different theme.
This year we have teamed up with the UK’s best-selling children’s illustrator, Tony Ross, for ANIMAL AGENTS, the Summer Reading Challenge 2017.

3. How it works
Each child (most are aged 4-11) signs up at their local library
Children borrow and read at least SIX library books during the summer, collecting special stickers and rewards along the way
Children can read any library books of THEIR choice
Library staff and young volunteers provide guidance and encouragement
Children receive a medal and/or a certificate when they complete the Challenge
Many libraries also run a pre-school Mini Challenge
Children can read any books from their library of THEIR choice. The theme is what motivates children to take part, but any books - fiction, non- fiction, picture books, graphic novels, audio books, eBooks – they all count. Children are free to choose and there are no levels. It is completely inclusive.
Please check with your library as some libraries are not able to offer medals.
Please also check where the medal ceremony takes place or if your library would like to hold the celebration assembly in school.

4. Participation
More than three quarters of a million children took part in the
Summer Reading Challenge 2016
43% of participants were boys
Over 68,000 children signed up as new library members
Taking part this year:
97% of English authorities
100% of Welsh authorities
91% of Scottish authorities
You can find the full 2016 participation report and results infographics at:

5. Beautifully illustrated materials
Collector folder and special stickers illustrated by Tony Ross
The materials the children receive from the library are of extremely high quality and beautifully illustrated with original artwork by Tony Ross.

6. Trailer
Click on the centre of the picture to play the trailer – this will only work when you are in slide show mode
The trailer is also available on the children’s website and the main Reading Agency website.
If you can’t access YouTube then contact and we will arrange to let you have the trailer in an alternative format

7. It’s fun! It’s free! It’s local!
Take part this summer
Insert local library address
Insert your opening hours
Insert date the Challenge begins at the library
Insert date the Challenge ends at the library
Please check times and dates with the local libraries that your families will use.
Why not get teaching colleagues to take part too and really inspire the pupils? Join the library and read six books ( children’s or adults). Read for pleasure on holiday or develop your knowledge of children’s books and find your next class read.
It’s fun! It’s free! It’s local!

8. Key benefits for schools
Enhances and supports mission for all children to read widely and for pleasure
Allows children to become more independent in their reading when choosing books
Encourages using imagination and empathy to explore a text beyond the page
Encourages parental engagement and family involvement in reading
Helps schools make links with their local library and the wider community
Is intrinsically inclusive and contributes to the achievement of ALL pupils including Special Educational Needs, disadvantaged pupils and the most able
Supports the successful transition between year groups and stages
Helps prevent the tendency for children’s reading to dip over the holidays
Fully aligned with core aspirations of schools; supports inclusion, achievement, progress, family and wider community engagement, creativity, accountability and evaluation
Can help prevent children ‘going backwards’ over the holidays - impacts on progress and attainment
Helps maintain the gains made by pupils who have had extra support or reading interventions. Great for boys and pupils with specific difficulties e.g. Dyslexia but also excellent for able pupils
Important for transition years: KS1 to KS2 and Y6 to Y7
For visually impaired children or those that find printed books tricky, the free RNIB Library Service (which covers Braille, Giant Print and Audio books) can be used to borrow books for the Summer Reading Challenge and throughout the year, and most libraries can help with this.
Library services are increasingly aware of the needs of children with autism and some libraries run dedicated Autism Friendly sessions.
Download the Animal Agents schools pack at:

9. Schools Resources www.readingagency.org.uk/schools Schools Pack
Posters
Infographics
School assembly PowerPoint
Letter and newsletter templates
Activity sheets
Year round Book Sorter and competitions on children’s website:
The Reading Agency provides everything schools need to promote the Challenge to pupils and families. Introducing families to their library is one of the most useful things teachers and schools can do.
It is ideal to work in conjunction with your library staff but not all libraries have the capacity to visit every school. Please talk to your local library to find out.

10. Visit the website
A year round school resource with a summer makeover to reflect the Challenge
Children can create a profile and earn badges online for books read
Search for their next read using the Book Sorter
Enter competitions and play games
Watch video clips of authors and illustrators
The Summer Reading Challenge website works very well on interactive whiteboards in class and is great to use in the run up to the Challenge.
The website can be accessed all year, every year at
Parents/carers and schools can follow us on
Follow us on #SummerReadingChallenge #AnimalAgents

11. Schools and Libraries Together
Introducing your pupils and their families to their local library is one of the best things you can do as a teacher. Thank you for promoting and participating in The Summer Reading Challenge.