Children in 320 classrooms join Flying High English Hub for virtual visit with author Ian Eagleton

Children from a whopping 320 classrooms across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and beyond, joined in a webinar with author Ian Eagleton to encourage a love of reading. Ian’s children’s books include ‘The boy who cried ghost’ and ‘Glitter boy’ amongst others.

The event was organised by the Flying High English Hub, which supports schools to develop the impact of their phonics teaching, children’s engagement of reading and early language development. There are 34 English Hubs across the UK, chosen by the Department for Education (DfE) for their high standards. The Flying High English Hub is based at Horsendale Primary School in Nuthall, Nottinghamshire.

Katy Armstrong is the Flying High English Hub lead and said, “At Flying High English Hub, we believe all children should have access to inspirational authors to encourage Reading for Pleasure. Research shows that children who choose to read have greater success in later life and we want this for all of our children.
“We decided to hold a very special ‘Virtual Author visit’ for all of our schools to access. The wonderful Ian Eagleton was chosen as our author. Ian’s books show the diversity of modern Britain and allows all children to recognise themselves in the characters portrayed. The event was a huge success with 320 classes logging on and interacting with Ian.”

Hucknall Flying High Academy pupil, Sofia Clifford (Year 2) took part in the event with classmates and said, “It was amazing to meet a real author. I thought Ian Eagleton was really cool. We learnt about his book ‘Nen and the Lonely Fisherman’ in English and loved the story. We enjoyed learning about his inspiration and hearing him read the story was incredible!”

Nina Capek, Headteacher at Haddon Primary & Nursery School in Carlton, Nottingham, said the event was a great success with her pupils. “At Haddon, we work very hard to inspire our children to develop a lifelong love of reading. So, we were delighted to give our children an opportunity to take part in the Flying High English Hub virtual visit.
“For children to work with a published author is a fantastic way to inspire them to pick up new books to read and to fire their imagination to write their own stories. We hope our children become so inspired by events like these, that one day they become authors themselves – ready to inspire the next generation!”

Seren Hathway is Headteacher at Whaley Bridge Primary School, High Peak, and said, “The children and staff of Whaley Bridge Primary School were inspired by Ian’s stories during the virtual visit. In celebration of the themes of his books, we invited children to wear something that showed their individuality and classes read some of Ian’s wonderful stories. The children loved meeting Ian online – his passion and enthusiasm for writing really inspired the children to write themselves and the session he delivered was fun, engaging and a true celebration of what it is to be a writer. Thank you Ian!”

Following the success of the virtual author visit, the Flying High English Hub have more planned events and welcome schools to join in. Their next virtual author event will see Bethan Woollvin, author of the fabulous picture book ‘Little Red’ amongst others, inspiring children on Friday 5th July. For schools wishing to get involved click here.