A Rugeley primary school has been awarded £1,102 from Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’ People Power Fund.
Chancel Primary School Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) has received funding to help set up a book café for pupils at the school, alongside other sponsors.
Mr Ellis attended the official opening of the book café today in Rugeley, where pupils were joined by author Steve Smallman, storyteller Cindy Faulkner and parents.
The book café is open to children, aged five to 11, and aims to create a place for children to socialise in a safe environment whilst developing their reading and communication skills.
The cafe, located in a barge on the school grounds, will benefit 208 pupils at the school and is made up of volunteers of school staff and parents.
Mr Ellis said: “I am thrilled to have been at the opening of the book café to see all of the hard work that has gone into making it a success.
“It is brilliant to see how the children will benefit by growing their communication skills, knowledge and encouraging children to read more.”
Sarah Mollitt, chair of the Chancel Primary School PTFA said: “The funding from the People Power Fund is going to enable us to extend the use of our new library beyond the school day by the creation of a new after-school reading club.
“The funds have enabled us to purchase a laptop and refreshments for the boat, as well as a number of magazine subscriptions and ultimately e-books to increase the variety of reading material available to our pupils.”
For further details about the book cafe contact Sarah Mollitt by calling 01889 256137 or email smollitt@chancel.staffs.sch.uk.
