Woodend Farm School receives over 200 books from Witham MP

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel donated the books to Woodend Farm School, at Woodend Farm, in Hatfield Road, for World Book Day.

Woodend Farm School supports children with their social, educational, emotional, and mental health needs.

The MP previously visited the school in October last year after the organisation contacted her regarding a lack of books for pupils, especially ones they can take home and read.

Learning - an illustrative image of a child reading (Image: Pixabay)

Following the meeting, Dame Priti worked on securing a variety of fiction and non-fiction books for the school, donated by herself and through World Book Day.

Dame Priti said: “It was a pleasure to return to Woodend Farm School which is a truly excellent school.

“The inspirational work they do to support children who need specialist care and education is vital for many families in Witham and Essex.  

“After hearing about the school's struggles with obtaining books, I was very pleased to be able to help.

“I strongly believe that all children should have access to books both at school and at home.  

“My thanks to World Book Day, and their chief executive Cassie Chadderton, for their generous donation, and their continued support and work on improving literacy and inspiring a love of books.” 

Happy - Woodend Farm School students with more of the donated books (Image: Woodend Farm School)

This year’s World Book Day was held on March 7.

The international event was launched by UNESCO in 1995 to encourage youngsters to read for pleasure.

The day provides every child in full-time education with a voucher for books.

Woodend Farm School headteacher Nicola Overland said: "As a school we are very grateful for the generous donation of books which has helped to grow our class and school libraries.

"The children were enthusiastic to look through the books and discover some new stories."