Kent-Teach's Big Summer Book Swap! Posted on 3 May 2024 by Ashleigh in General | Resources | Schools Here at Kent-Teach, we know how much hard work goes into creating a welcoming and diverse school and class library. Reading is such a vital life skill and schools play a fundamental role in nurturing the positive attitudes to reading from an early age. However, these things come at a cost. Books are expensive and schools may find it difficult to ensure that there are books to meet the needs and interests of all pupils – with many teachers spending their own money to buy books for their classrooms. In the latest survey by the National Literacy Trust they found the following:"In 2023, we recorded the lowest level of reading enjoyment since we started asking children and young people about this in 2005.Just 2 in 5 children aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in 2023, which is as low as the number has ever been since we first asked the question in 2005.Fewer than 3 in 10 (28.0%) children and young people aged 8 to 18 said that they read daily, matching levels seen in 2022Half (52.9%) of 8 to 18-year-olds told us they had been encouraged to read by their parents/carers."- National Literacy Trust (based on 71,351 responses to our Annual Literacy Survey from children and young people aged 5 to 18 in early 2023)To support schools with providing high quality books to their children, Kent-Teach are proud to be launching our Kent-wide Big Summer Book Swap! Schools across Kent will be able to swap some of their library books in exchange for another school’s set of books. All schools who participate in the swap will be entered into a prize draw for a bundle of new books worth £50. If you would like to take part, please register your interest here: https://forms.office.com/e/Uxs081dfN0For full terms and conditions and details on accepted books, please see below:Big Summer Book Swap Terms and Conditions:1) All participating schools must be located within Kent. 2) By donating the book, the school acknowledges that this is their property and are able to swap this item with no restrictions.3) All participating schools understand swaps are final and cannot be changed, exchanged or exchanged for monetary value.4) Schools will be responsible for ensuring the quality of books meet the book swap criteria. The criteria can be found below:i) The book will be in a good condition (no rips or tears, no missing pages and no damage that impedes the reader from reading the book)but expected wear and tear will be eligible. See appendix for more guidance. Book Swap Appendix.pdf (414.3KB)ii) Non-fiction book will be no older than 20 years old from date of publishing. This means the book’s publishing date will be 2004 onwards for non-fiction books.iii) Books will be appropriate for children (young adult fiction will be accepted)iv) Participating schools agree to provide 50 books for the swap.5) Books unsuitable for the exchange will be returned to the school. 6) Books will be submitted to Kent-Teach to evaluate before the swap takes place. Book received later than 5th July 2024 will not be counted and will be returned to the school.7) All participating schools will be entered into a prize draw to receive a bundle of new books worth £50.8) Kent-Teach reserves the right to cancel or amend the Book Swap and these terms and conditions without notice in the event of a catastrophe, war, civil or military disturbance, act of God or any actual or anticipated breach of any applicable law or regulation or any other event outside of Kent-Teach’s control. Any changes to the swap will be notified to entrants as soon as possible by the promoter.9) Kent-Teach is not liable and will not take any responsibility for any loss, damage or theft of the books during transit to Kent-Teach nor after books have been collected on book swap day.10) By entering this book swap, the entrant is agreeing to these terms and conditions.For more information about the Big Summer Book Swap, follow us on our socials (Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube) or send us an email at: support@kent-teach.co.uk. Need advice on how to get children reading? Take a look at our blog 6 Ways to Encourage Children to Read