Chris Riddell, author, illustrator and former Children’s Laureate, last week opened the new literacy house, known as the ‘Book Nook’, at Trinity Church School in Radstock. This is the first of a series of outdoor houses at the school, offering the children a dedicated learning space which will focus on a specific area of the curriculum.

The Book Nook is fully equipped with books and other resources which will enable the children to immerse themselves fully in their learning. Each class will use the house every week for sessions in reading and writing.

Michelle Parsons, Headteacher, explains: “The Book Nook is filled with books and other literacy resources, as well as cushions and bean bags to create a comfortable and relaxing environment in which to learn; it will be inspiring for the children and the teachers and we are confident that this very special environment will prove to add a new dynamic to literacy at the school.”

She adds: “We didn’t want to build an outdoor classroom that purely served a functional purpose, we wanted to create a space that fulfils our vision of creative and adventurous learning. When you see the house in the grounds, you can’t help but feel intrigued by what might be inside.

“The Book Nook has an air of magic about it, which we believe will add to the children’s enthusiasm for literacy and learning.”

Trinity Church School is also fundraising to build additional houses, which will focus on other areas of the curriculum.