Imagination Library Visit

This week, our Education and Early Years students had the opportunity to take part in an engaging and inspiring session delivered by Sarah and Katy, who visited from the Local Authority to introduce the Imagination Library and share the importance of early reading and communication. Their visit offered valuable insight into how early literacy can shape a child’s development, future learning and even their long term destinations.

The session began with an introduction to the Imagination Library and its mission. Students learned how the programme supports families across North Lincolnshire by providing children with access to high quality books from birth. Sarah and Katy explained the ethos behind the initiative and helped students understand how early reading can transform outcomes later in life.

A key focus of the session was the importance of developing reading and language skills from the very beginning of a child’s life. Students were shown research that highlights how reading with children from the earliest stages, even during pregnancy, can support communication, confidence and cognitive development. It was eye opening to see how literacy skills built in the first five years can influence academic progress and future opportunities.

Sarah then modelled a story session to give students a deeper understanding of how an early years reading activity can be structured. The session included a clear beginning, middle and end, starting with a welcoming hello song before introducing the story. Sarah demonstrated how props and singing can be used to enhance engagement and build children’s confidence with early reading. This practical demonstration helped students see how storytelling can be interactive, meaningful and fun.

During the workshop students also explored a range of Imagination Library books and discussed ideas for creative activities that could accompany different stories. This helped them understand how early years practitioners can extend a book beyond the page and create enriching learning experiences based around characters, themes or settings.

Sarah and Katy also highlighted that the government has announced a National Year of Reading in 2026. The initiative aims to support a love of reading nationwide and raise awareness of the lifelong importance of language and communication. As a college, we are excited to explore ways we can get involved and look forward to supporting this important national focus next year.

The visit offered our students valuable professional insight into early literacy development and the powerful role that reading can play in shaping children’s futures. Their passion for storytelling and communication created a memorable and inspiring experience that will support our students as they move forward in their education and future careers.