More than 320 school children across four schools in Sheffield have taken part in a celebratory ‘booknic’ event organised by Meadowhall in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. 

The ‘booknic’ involved children enjoying a picnic and a book while also taking part in a range of fun reading-themed activities. 

Schoolchildren from Hatfield Academy, Ferham Primary School, Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy and Beck Primary School took part in the event, with each child also able to take a book of their choice home. 

The ‘booknic’ was part of the Young Readers Programme, an award-winning initiative sponsored by Meadowhall’s co-owner British Land and run in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, designed to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.  

The initiative also gave the schools access to virtual interactive storytelling sessions and a literary quiz. 

British Land and the National Literacy Trust celebrates its 10th year in partnership this year. Since the programme launched in Meadowhall, it has supported more than 2,400 schoolchildren and seen more than 7,200 books donated across the city.  

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who own their own books are six times more likely to read above the level expected for their age and three times more likely to enjoy reading.1 

Over the past year Meadowhall has also gifted 850 books to local food banks, charities and community organisations to help provide children in under privileged areas access to books during the pandemic.

Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, said: “Supporting our community is so important to us and the Young Readers Programme plays a massive part in that. It’s a brilliant initiative which we look forward to every year and it’s great to see the children celebrating at our booknic event.  

“Thanks also needs to go to the National Literacy Trust for their hard work on this event and over the years. They’ve helped us to ensure that the additional support and books go to those who need them most.”    

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, said: “Encouraging children to develop a love of reading from a young age can have a tangible impact on their literacy skills, mental wellbeing and futures. Yet hundreds of thousands of children across the UK are missing out on these benefits simply because they don’t have a book of their own to read at home.  

“The Young Readers Programme, with support from British Land, tackles this and we’d like to thank them for all their support over the years.” 

Excited local pupils were treated to an enriching day out at the seaside last week, thanks to a grant from Yorkshire’s no.1 attraction, Meadowhall.

Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils aged between five and nine, from Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy School in Sheffield, visited Whitby to experience the contrasting sights and sounds of the exhilarating Yorkshire coast.

The children dived into a day of learning and play, with visits to the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Whitby Abbey and Whitby Lifeboat Station. The foundation-year pupils will visit the seaside with a trip to Cleethorpes.

Meadowhall has been funding school trips since 2013 – covering the costs of transportation, activities and food. The experiences provide disadvantaged children, who may not leave Sheffield in the summer, with the opportunity to escape the confines of the classroom and learn outdoors in a natural environment.

Darren Pearce, Centre Director for Meadowhall, said: “As a leading supporter of the local community, we’re delighted to be funding the Tinsley Meadows trip to the seaside. It is hugely motivating for the children and allows them to get creative and broaden their horizons.”

Allison Brunt, from Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy School, said: “The children were so excited to be going to the seaside and we’re very grateful to Meadowhall for facilitating another trip for us. The funding allows us to take the curriculum to the beach – and from past experience they really do learn!”

The seaside trips are just one of several projects that Meadowhall has partnered with Tinsley Meadows Primary Academy School for, with the leading leisure destination also having recently invited pupils into the centre to have the ultimate school year picture on a unicorn in The Post Room.