A GUIDED reading scheme at a Dorset school has been handed a welcome boost.

Children at Greenford Primary School in Maiden Newton have received 600 guided reading books with the help of the school’s parent teacher association.

Pupils were presented with the books at a special assembly, also attended by parents and representatives from the Friends of Greenford School (FOGS), the school’s PTA.

FOGS contributed £2000 towards the purchase of the books, which was raised through various fundraising events including raffles, fairs and school discos.

Fletcher Easton, chairman of Friends of Greenford School (FOGS), said :”We’re very pleased to be able to contribute towards the purchase of these new books. FOGS has worked closely with the brilliant staff and parents of Greenford for many years, raising money to provide additional resources for what is already a fantastic school with a strong community spirit.

“I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution at our various events and I’m looking forward to seeing what else we can help out with in the future.”

Guided Reading involves a teacher providing motivating, age-appropriate support to small groups of children with similar reading abilities.

The pupils all follow the same text, but the teacher helps them work together to figure out unfamiliar words, understand complex sentence structures, and explain concepts or ideas they may have never come across before in print.

The school used this as an opportunity to review the school’s existing guided reading resources, with teachers involved in choosing an inspiring collection of books from authors including Roald Dahl, Jacqueline Wilson and David Walliams, ranging from modern classics and literary heritage titles to non-fiction.

Kim Jackaman, headteacher at Greenford Church of England Primary School, said: “The aim is for all children in the school to benefit from these special books, so we worked hard to select a range of inspiring titles that would be appropriate for all age groups.

“I’m delighted that the pupils will continue to get the opportunity to improve their reading in such an effective way.

“We’re lucky to have the support of FOGS who, as parents, understand the importance of literacy just as clearly as the teachers and staff of Greenford.”