Priti Patel, MP for Witham, has paid a return visit to Reach Essex, a specialist school based in Witham, to deliver over 200 books donated by Priti and World Book Day.
Reach Essex is an inspirational organisation that supports vulnerable children and young people whose behaviour, anxieties or other factors impact upon their wellbeing and achievement. After Priti’s first visit to the school in October 2023, the school contacted Priti regarding a lack of books for their pupils to read, and particularly ones they can keep and take home to read outside of school.
Priti, who has championed literacy programmes throughout her time as a Member of Parliament, sprung into action and was able to secure a variety of fiction and non-fiction books. Priti made a personal donation of books to the school, alongside those very kindly provided by World Book Day.
Priti said: “It was a pleasure to return to Reach Essex which is a truly excellent school. The inspirational work they do to support children who need specialist care and education is vital for many families in Witham and Essex.
After hearing about the school's struggles with obtaining books, I was very pleased to be able to help. I strongly believe that all children should have access to books both at school and at home.
My thanks to World Book Day, and their chief executive Cassie Chadderton, for their generous donation, and their continued support and work on improving literacy and inspiring a love of books.”
