What started as an idea on paper from the fabulous imagination of children has now become an incredible space to enhance learning and create a love of reading. The pupils and staff at Stamford Bridge Primary School are overjoyed with their new, purpose-built library which was officially opened by the school reading champions. The school worked together with Playscheme to design their new Wonder Learning Space. The result is a stunning forest themed library complete with a treehouse.   

Nicola Massey, Headteacher, and Rachel Malster, Assistant Headteacher and Reading Lead, led the library opening with the children commenting, “At Stamford Bridge Primary School, reading is at the very heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of books and nurturing confident, independent readers through a vibrant reading culture. The opening of our new library, the ‘Stamford Bridge Forest of Knowledge,’ marks an exciting milestone in this journey. It is a welcoming, high-quality learning space that will inspire curiosity, imagination, and a love for reading in all our children. We are incredibly proud to see our vision brought to life and can’t wait to see our pupils explore and enjoy this wonderful new resource.”  

The drive to improve the love of reading is being led by Rachel Malster with the introduction of several initiatives including ‘Secret Readers’ which builds great anticipation for children who cannot wait to discover who will be reading their story! Children can also record reviews on button devices which allows other children to access information and be intrigued about the genre and stories their peers are reading.   

Michael Carr, Special Projects Manager at Playscheme said, “The biggest thrill for us all at Playscheme has been seeing and hearing how much the children and staff at Stamford Bridge absolutely love their new library. The journey from hearing the children’s ideas, to seeing the design take shape, to now being able to stand in this amazing library has been incredible. All the team at Playscheme are hoping to come over and see it.”     

There are so many beautiful touches to the design which uses natural wood and forest imagery to promote the peace and tranquility a forest environment brings. The children are so happy all the animals that their classes are named after, such as, badgers, deer and rabbits can be found around the library too.  

The children were ecstatic about being able to open the new library. Martha said, “It looks really intriguing, and I really like that all the class animals are part of the design.” Eva commented, “It really makes me want to read more. There are lots of books to choose from.” Kaleb added, “I feel so lucky to be a pupil at Stamford Bridge Primary School for so many different reasons. The library is one of them – we were allowed to have a say in how it was going to be designed and as a result of this we now have a spectacular library that everyone has contributed to.”