SLA School Visits

The SLA staff share their experiences of visiting member schools across the UK

Every year, each member of the SLA team enjoys visiting our members in schools across the UK. It provides us with a hugely beneficial chance to personally meet our members, discuss how our membership is working for them and see their library in action. 

The aim of these visits is to directly learn from the experiences of school library staff to better inform our work at the SLA and ensure that we’re providing the best possible support for everyone involved in school libraries.

Below the team share their experiences of this year's school visits...

Helen Emery, Membership Officer - Lindens Primary School, Streetly

As membership officer I visited Lindens Primary School, Streetly and met with Literacy Lead Hannah Price for the afternoon. 

It was amazing to see the striking artwork which features throughout the school – and to see that every classroom has a reading area with books for students to access. 

I met a fantastic pupil library helper who showed me the library space (located along the corridor with soft seating) She had been working hard on labeling the stock in the library area so make it easier for fellow students to find what they needed. 

As is common in primary schools, there was no designated staffing hours for the library but it was great to see so much enthusiasm from everyone I met about promoting reading across the school.

Hannah Groves, Marketing and Communications Officer - Oldfield Park Junior School, Bath

I had the pleasure of visiting Oldfield Park Junior School, a community school for children aged 7 to 11 years old in Bath, and was welcomed into the school library by Librarian Fleur Cannadine.

Funded by Pupil Premium, it was wonderful to see such a good sized, well-stocked space for pupils to enjoy reading. The library can be accessed by multiple doors, giving it a central location that benefits from natural footfall from both students and staff. It was encouraging to hear how weekly, 45-minute visits to the library are part of every child’s timetable, and the library is also open over break and lunchtimes. The library space contains comfy areas to enjoy quiet reading time, places to work and plenty of displays – both of pupils’ own work, along with fun displays to inspire your next read.

As well as a wide range of books to suit all abilities and interests, the library is also home to computers, a whiteboard and large TV, meaning the space can function as much more than a library. It’s even been the venue for school open days, and Fleur highlights how having the support of her Headteacher has been instrumental to cementing the library as the beating heat of their school community.

Jane Cooper, Finance Officer - Dorcan Academy, Swindon

I visited Dorcan Academy on 2nd Dec 2022.

I met the librarian, Kate Murphy, who gave me a tour of the library which I thought was a welcoming and lovely space. During my visit I observed a Year 7 English lesson led by a teacher which Kate supported – the students behaviour was impeccable and those who had EAL were given specific interventions. I also met the literacy mentor who works with small groups to raise standards.

I came away from the visit with a good insight into the role of a school librarian and the impact that school libraries make.

Dawn Woods, Member Development Librarian -  Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College, Birmingham

The college is a large establishment with a wide diversity in ethnic origin, languages and educational attainment. Although many go onto university, many also favour local institutions.

The learning space is very well used but in an ideal world, although central, just not big enough. Plans are in early days to expand it, hopefully by going up to a mezzanine.

A team of Academic Ambassadors – graduates who work for year, answering queries, issuing, shelving, talking one-to-one to students about their subjects, life at university, helping with UCAS applications and general wellbeing – greatly enhance the work of the Learning Centre Manager, enabling it to open from 8am – 6pm and include holiday opening.

Olivia was very aware her stock was very up to date compared with many other schools, and staff communication is excellent with teaching staff suggesting titles for purchase.

Although all students are 16 years plus and obviously studying for academic qualifications, the reading for pleasure angle features highly with many attending a reading group and gaining confidence in themselves as well as in voicing their opinions on books chosen.

Induction happens for all students and the library and library staff are very much part of college life. This was a hugely inspiring visit so many thanks to Olivia and her team.

Huge thanks to all the schools who opened their doors to us. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting you!