Jake visited St Paul’s Constable Lee CE Primary School on 20 April as part of the school’s initiative to raise boy’s achievement in reading
Apr 20, 2012

Jake visited St Paul’s Constable Lee CE Primary School on 20 April as part of the school’s initiative to raise boy’s achievement in reading.
He attended a special assembly to celebrate World Book Night, where he was presented with a book by Foundation Stage pupils Sam O’Brien and Eleanor Butterworth, and answered questions from students. Governor Louise Kiely explained, “World Book Night is celebrated globally to encourage reading. As part of the event, free books for adults are being given out to encourage reading throughout the family - In addition to Jake Berry, they are being given out to parents who either don't read or who are light readers.”
Jake went on to read to a small group of children - sharing a chapter from Matilda by Roald Dahl – one of his favourite children’s authors.
Headteacher Suzanne Howard said, “We are encouraging our primary children – particularly boys – to develop an interest in reading by inviting friends and parents to read. We are grateful that Jake has agreed to serve as one of our role models.”
Jake Berry added, “I have really enjoyed my visit to St Paul’s. My mother started a group of volunteer readers many years ago in Liverpool, and I have enjoyed reading from an early age. I know how important it is for children to see adults reading and to understand the impact that the ability to read will have on their future. I would encourage all parents to read to their children.”
And what did pupils think of the visit? Connor Sugden commented, “I started the book and now I am inspired to finish it.” Rayna Daly liked ‘Matilda’ so much that she signed it out of the library.
Holly Wootton summarised the feelings of the pupils: “I am glad that Mr Berry came to talk and to read to us. It is good that he enjoys reading as much as we do.”