Building a Reading Culture:
Empowering Minds, One Page at a Time
Cost: £100 or £130 for non-subscribing schools
Small Schools (under 50 pupils) £50 or £65 for non-subscribing schools
Refreshments & lunch included.
In celebration of the National Year of Reading and in support of the government’s initiative a library in every primary, the SLS Conference 2026 will focus on Building a Reading Culture in Your School.
This year, we’re delighted to be working in collaboration with the School Improvement Team to deliver a packed and inspiring programme, including:
- Ross Welford – renowned children’s author
- Richard O’Neill – author, storyteller, and reading advocate
- Dr Kate Hope – Public Health Speech and Language Therapist, Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Damian Burke – School Improvement Lead in Northumberland
- Presentations from three regional primary schools about building thriving reading cultures
- Practical insights and creative ideas from the Schools Library Service
- An opportunity to explore a range of resources designed to inspire and engage pupils — and their families — both in school and at home
- We’re also working with the National Literacy Trust and hope to have a representative at the conference on the day.
So why not join fellow educators as we explore ways to make reading for enjoyment central to school life — fostering a lifelong love of reading that enriches children’s lives and enhances their future opportunities.
Places are limited – so reserve a place on Eventbrite:
Building a Reading Culture: Empowering Minds, One Page at a Time Tickets, Fri 6 Feb 2026 at 09:00 | Eventbrite
For further information email: generalsls@northumberland.gov.uk
