Bridge of Weir nursery first to get national reading award

Bridge of Weir Early Learning and Childcare Class (ELCC) has been awarded the Reading Schools ELC accreditation, a Scottish Book Trust programme that supports nurseries in developing strong reading cultures.

The award celebrates the nursery’s efforts in making books, stories, songs and rhymes a daily part of children’s lives.

It also recognises creative approaches such as cosy book nooks and outdoor libraries.

Donna Luke, depute head of centre at Bridge of Weir ELCC, 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."

The nursery demonstrated strong reading leadership for the award by creating a "reading-rich environment" involving children, staff, and families.

Part of the programme includes encouraging children to recommend stories to one another.

A celebration event was held at the nursery to mark the achievement, with a visit from children’s author Alastair Chisholm who read from his book Inch and Grub.

Bookbug, the popular character from the national book gifting programme, also made a special appearance.

Marc Lambert, chief executive 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, congratulated the team on their achievement.

Cllr Rodden 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."