At Prestonfield Primary, less than ten minutes walk from Cameron Toll, 1 in 3 children live in poverty so staff at the school work hard to provide support to families at this challenging time of year.
One initiative they undertake is to gift every pupil their own book with the goal of putting a smile on every child’s face, giving them the joy of a good story, and encouraging them to read with a family member or carer.
Louise Pagan, Pupil Support Officer at Prestonfield Primary explained: “Reading isn’t just fun; it supports literacy, strengthens family bonds, and lets children escape into imaginative worlds which is something every child deserves. By sending each student home with their own book this Christmas, we hope to foster a love of reading, improve literacy skills, and create shared moments. The support from the Cameron Toll Community Fund will ensure that every child receives the gift of a book this Christmas.”
Claire Jefcoate, centre manager at Cameron Toll said: “We know that this time of the year can be extremely challenging for many people and families so to be able to support Prestonfield Primary’s initiative to bring a little bit of joy to their pupils is wonderful.