David Wilson Homes recently arranged a book swap between two Staffordshire schools as part of the recent International Book Giving Day (Monday 14th February).

Key Stage 2 pupils at Oldfields Hall Middle School and Windsor Park CE Middle School, close to the developer’s Bentley Fields and Olive Park developments in Uttoxeter, received a donation of 10 of the other school’s favourite books according to shortlists put together by the Year 5 and Year 6 pupils.

International Book Giving Day is celebrated in over 44 countries around the globe and was initially set up in order to promote the benefits of reading and to give every child the opportunity to have books of their own.

Among the books chosen by the pupils were titles such as The Explorer by Katherine Rundell, The Boy With Wings by Lenny Henry, Malamander by Thomas Taylor and Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens.

Gemma Chapman, Librarian at Oldfields Hall Middle School, said: “It’s so lovely to receive some fresh new titles. Our students have read almost 5000 books and over 117 million words between them since September. We can never have too many great quality books to read – this is fantastic! Thank you so much!”

Catherine Sharples, Assistant Headteacher at Windsor Park CE Middle School, continued: “Our KS2 pupils are so excited to receive their books and can’t wait to start reading them! To see the smiles on their faces, it is an absolute pleasure.”

A survey from The National Literacy Trust found that children’s enjoyment of reading has increased during the pandemic, rising from 47.8% prior to the lockdown periods to 55.9% afterwards.

It was reported that over half of children surveyed (59.3%) thought that reading made them feel better, whilst over 30% felt that reading helped them when they felt sad due to being unable to see families and friends.

Steve Barton, Senior Sales Manager at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “As a leading developer it is really important that we support the community in the areas in which we build.

“Both Oldfields Hall Middle School and Windsor Park CE Middle School are instrumental to the Uttoxeter area are offer amazing places for their students to learn, play and develop.

“In light of the difficult times we have all faced, we’re encouraging more people to support their local community where possible.”