Toasting marshmallows with a mug of warming hot chocolate around a fire pit and reading stories was enjoyed by children at St Nicholas at Wade Church of England Primary School.
The tasty outdoor treat was a reward for the school’s young readers who are actively encouraged to meet targets to improve their levels of literacy.
Head Teacher Taralee Kennedy explained: “Everyone worked so hard to reach their targets so that they could take part in the fire pit treat which was a real warming success on a chilly winter’s day.”
Junior pupils also took part in a Secret Santa book swap – each child pulled out a name from the hat and chose a book for a fellow pupil and wrapped it up.
The precious presents were handed out to be put under the children’s trees at home so all those children have a new book to enjoy over the Christmas break.
Mrs Kennedy added: “The Secret Santa book swap was the idea of the school’s reading ambassadors. These children take responsibility for encouraging reading, working with younger readers and coming up with initiatives to increase the participation and enjoyment of reading.
“Pupils also took home a festive reading challenge. We know how important it is to keep them reading over the holidays, and giving them a reading target is a fun and engaging way to keep up these good habits which are crucial to the success we achieve in children’s reading progress.”