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Report published 7 March 2023 BMG Research Report National Survey to scope school library provision in the UK

How can I help? Help us spread the word Why are school libraries so important? All children deserve a great school library because adequately funded, staffed school libraries deliver enhanced and independent learning as well as reading and curriculum support. School libraries contribute to building lifelong readers and support whole school initiatives promoting reading for pleasure. Evidence also suggests school libraries: Lead to higher qualifications/attainment Promote a better quality of life Generate improved results Alleviate pressure on health and mental health services Alleviate teacher workload Increase efficiency for schools Contribute to the delivery of a well-rounded education Deliver and teach essential Information/critical literacy skills to combat fake news and engender independent learning All of this evidence shows us that school libraries are a vital part of every school, and should be cherished and maintained. What is a School Library Strategy? A strategy is a plan of action designed to achieve long-term aims. Thus a school library strategy will detail the actions required to ensure the school library meets its aims and objectives. These should fit in with the overall school aims and should be written with any school development or improvement plan in mind, together with recent Ofsted report recommendations. Why focus on Ofsted? Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect services providing education and skills for learners of all ages. Ofsted grade schools according to the level of their services and schools aspire to achieve an "outstanding" grade. Parents also take note of Ofsted inspections. The areas of a school that Ofsted concentrate on are often regulated by law or guidance, and are usually given priority with regards to the school budget. In times of diminishing budgets, schools have to cut back on what they consider to be "non-essential" services and these are often areas that are not inspected by Ofsted. Thus, as a school library is not statutory and is not featured in Ofsted inspection, it is vulnerable. By focusing on Ofsted the Campaign wants to highlight how a school library can help all students achieve their potential, feeding into the teaching and learning of all subjects, as well as delivering information literacy skills and providing support for students' well-being. Recognition by Ofsted would provide more support for school libraries within senior management and governing bodies. By linking the school library strategy with Ofsted reports, the library can show how it supports the school's aims and objectives for improvement. What have Ofsted said so far? "We expect schools to focus on securing high literacy standards for all pupils, as well as offering a deep and rich curriculum. Inspectors will consider the impact of the teaching of reading and literacy more generally on outcomes and will look at the effectiveness of resources used by teachers to improve pupils’ reading and access to the curriculum. This may include looking at a school’s library resource, where this is available". Does this campaign include Scotland? The scope of the campaign to have school librarians in every school across the UK is one shared by all. However with the "How Good is our School" framework and the investment already being made into school libraries in Scotland #GreatSchoolLibraries will focus on England, Wales and Northern Ireland. To find out more about Scotland's campaign please contact info@scottishlibraries.org I’ve filled in a case study. What happens now? You will receive an acknowledgement of your case study. It will then be added to the case study folder to be used in future reports, publications, advocacy activities, etc. to highlight the range of work and impact of a school librarian. The whole case study may be used or relevant sections and quotes may be selected. What is IFLA? The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of libraries and information services and their users. What is FOSIL FOSIL stands for Framework Of Skills for Inquiry Learning and is one of many approaches to information literacy. More information can be found in this Key Issues for School Librarians leaflet, FOSIL-based inquiry for school librarians: an introduction produced by CILIP SLG (School Library Group). More information can be found on The Fosil Group website.

Welcome to Great School Libraries Every child deserves a great school library Sign up here Our Mission Our mission is to bring libraries and access to librarians back to every school in the UK. Use the links above to learn more about the campaign and find out how you can help. What is a great school library? “A school library is a school’s physical and digital learning space where reading, inquiry, research, thinking, imagination, and creativity are central to students’ information-to-knowledge journey and to their personal, social, and cultural growth" IFLA Guidelines "International evidence indicates schools with libraries and librarians impact positively on reader enjoyment, children’s attitudes to learning and reading outcomes and attainment. ​ A quality school library is every child’s right. " Teresa Cremin Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies. Great School Libraries Small steps lead to big changes... 3 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Great School Libraries DONALDSON AND BOOKSPACE JOIN THE CAMPAIGN 966 0 4 likes. Post not marked as liked 4 Great School Libraries WHAT'S THE FUTURE FOR SCHOOL LIBRARIES? 859 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Great School Libraries Launching a school library, Radio 4 and more... 60 0 Post not marked as liked Great School Libraries Primary School Librarian of the Year 2023 joins the GSL Campaign Committee 65 0 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 Great School Libraries Ask your MP to sign the Early Day Motion 78 0 Post not marked as liked Great School Libraries are delighted that BookSpace are our official campaign sponsor. BookSpace is the UK's leading primary school library design service and provider of library furniture for schools. Meet the team Find out more about the team behind the Great School Libraries Campaign. Read More > keep updated Sign up to be kept informed on the latest campaign news. Read More > resources Find out more about our free resources. Read More > case studies Feel like writing a Case Study about your library for the campaign? Read More >

My school library was mentioned in an Ofsted report If your school has recently gone through an Ofsted inspection, please consider sending us any mention of your school library in the report. These help to form part of a very important body of evidence that we need in this campaign. To find out how your information is used, please refer to our privacy policy . ​ Please use the submission form below and add a link to the report if possible. I have read and understood the privacy policy Submit Thanks for submitting!

Recommended Blogs and Podcasts Madisons Library Podcasts as PD Middle Reading Grade Library Lady Book Craic The Serendipitous Librarian Books2All Investigating Knowledge Ginger Nuts of Horror -Young Blood Book Reviews Miss Cleveland is Reading Glenthorne High School Library Blog Miss Oliver Reads Elizabeth Hutchinson Blog Applied Chaos Theory this_hybrid_reads Millfield School Library Blog Talking Books - SLG Blog 500 Hats - The Teacher Librarian in the 21st Century

Video Tom Palmer shares his views on the importance of School Libraries Thank you to Softlink for making us this wonderful video for the Campaign! ​ Click here to view the Great School Libraries video on Youtube.

The Hon Dr Stuart Lawrence Stuart Lawrence, younger brother of Stephen Lawrence is a teacher, orator, author and consultant: all for a single purpose, to give young people and adults alike the mindset and skills to achieve their potential, irrespective of background, and in turn become the voices that change society. "I want the people of today to understand that it's all down to them - what they do with their lives, how hard they work, what they achieve - and that they have the ability to achieve all their hopes and goals.” Stephen Lawrence (13 September 1974 – 22 April 1993) was a young black man from Woolwich, South-East London, who was murdered in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in Well Hall, Eltham on the evening of 22nd April 1993. His family’s tireless campaign for justice led to cultural shifts and changes in attitudes towards racism within British society, the law and the Metropolitan Police. This fight and their story are still as impactful and important today as it was in the 90’s, whilst the fight for justice and change continues. After Stephen’s death, Stuart stayed in education and followed a creative path which focused on graphic design, taking a keen interest in typographical design. Upon completing a course at the London College of Printing, he attended Northampton University to read Graphic Communication. Stuart worked with the Home Office and HMP Belmarsh before going on to become a teacher, in which his teaching career spanned over 20 years, working with a secondary school based in South-West London. Stuart recently left this role to take on developing change within the education system and our society as a whole. Whilst working with these particular establishments which are in place in order to help aid change, rehabilitation and impart knowledge to our young people, Stuart has also been part of local communities for the last 20 years as a dedicated Football Coach, coaching young people at least twice a week. Stuart has worked with the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust to help promote Stephen Lawrence Day (22nd April) and currently works as a motivational speaker. His Mother, Doreen Lawrence was elevated to the peerage as Baroness on 6th September 2013 and is formally known as Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon, in the Commonwealth Realm of Jamaica. The honour is rare for being designated after a location in a Commonwealth realm outside the United Kingdom, and due to her not being married the rights that would be bestowed on her husband pass on to her son, Stuart, thus making his full title ‘ The Honourable Stuart Andrew Lawrence’. Alongside and in honour of this he has now decided to dedicate himself full time to fighting the cause, named ‘ This is not My Son’s Fight’ to ensure that the young people of today have an idea about the consequences of their actions against others and importance of inclusion through preaching tolerance and celebrating difference. Over the last few years Stuart has spent all of his time working with schools, presenting assemblies, working with youth groups/youth centres and sharing his story, experiences and presenting messages of hope & tolerance. His main goal is to equip young people with the mindset to believe and achieve what they want in life no matter the challenges many of them will unfortunately face due to social and economic disadvantages, ethnicity, religion, childhood trauma and so on. Through knowledge, self-worth, determination and unity Stuart believes our young people of today have the power to push for change within our society and make change. "We want them to understand that it's all down to them - what they do with their lives, how hard they work, what they achieve - and we hope that because of Stephen they can achieve all their hopes and goals. As well as working in youth work and engagement, Stuart has now published his first book in April 2021 , ‘Silence Is Not An Option’, and is working with organizations/broadcasters to help them focus on areas of racism , internally and externally within our society. He has been a part of various panels, podcasts, 1 to 1 interview’s across ITV, The Sun, BBC London and Good Morning Britain to name a few. Stuart has been involved in hosting and presenting with Sky News as well as the GQ Podcast - A Conversation In Time series. MBCC Awards 2021 - Special Recognition Award In 2021, Stuart was nominated by the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards and received the prestigious Special Recognition Award for to recognise and celebrate Stuart Lawrence’s work in the field of equality, author of Silence Is Not An Option, and all the important work he does with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation with the prestigious MBCC Special Recognition Award. I have personally observed the amazing work Stuart has been doing, particularly over the last 18 months and the impact it has had on the nation. Honorary doctorate by Greenwich University In 2023 Stuart was awarded an Honorary doctorate by Greenwich University for his efforts over recent times. Stephen Lawrence Trust / Blue Print for All and Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation Stuart was also previously a Trustee at the Stephen Lawrence Trust – now known as Blueprint For All, for many years. In 2021 project managed Stephen Lawrence Day 2021 at the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation (the only official charity in Stephen Lawrence’s name) which was setup in 2020 by Baroness Lawrence OBE.

Research into school libraries Many school librarians find their role under threat or need to find a way to ask for more budget. In order to help build a case we have put together a small list of research reports and articles that show the value of school libraries. So, whether your library is under threat or you want to put a case forward for a new initiative we hope that you will find a starting point here. Evidence Base Useful Quotes ​ School Libraries Matter: A year of research ​ School Library Impact Studies ​ School libraries Literature review: Current provision and evidence impact 2017 ​ School Libraries: Why children and young people use them or not, their literacy engagement and mental wellbeing ​ Research on Impact of School Libraries ​ How do librarians in schools support struggling readers - PDF ​ Impact of School Libraries ​ School Libraries are essential ​ Exploring the Literacy-Related Behaviours and Feelings of Pupils Eligible for Free School Meals in Relation to Their Use of and Access to School Libraries ​ Students need school libraries research page ​ School Librarians as Literacy Educators in a Complex Role ​ What is the literacy supportive role of the school librarian in the United Kingdom? ​ How can school libraries support student wellbeing? Evidence and implications for further research National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland, Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools Revisiting Collaboration Within and Beyond the School Library: New Ways of Measuring Effectiveness ​ Lizard People in the Library ​ Advocacy - Proving your worth ​ 2020 School Library Survey - SLA/Softlink ​

Twitter Chat - Round up Click on the picture to catch up on the chat. Being brave and courageous Levelling up What are your hopes/plans for this school year First Twitter chat of new school year 2021 If you could change one thing about your school library what would it be and why? Final Twitter chat of the school year. #BigQuestion School Libraries removing barriers to inequality during the pandemic The advert for the Twitter Chat. Wednesday 9th June 7pm Inclusivity and Diversity Twitter Chat Mental Health and Wellbeing Twitter Chat Blogging Twitter Chat Christmas Twitter Chat Library Collections Twitter Chat Reading for Pleasure Twitter Chat Annual Report Twitter Chat Lockdown Twitter Chat