Author instils confidence in youngsters

Berrybrook Primary School, on Greenacres Avenue, was visited by children's author Natalie Pritchard on Monday.

Natalie, who has written a number of animal themed children's books, such as Monty the Manatee: a book about kindness and anti-bullying and Sully the Seahorse: a book about self-esteem and resilience, spoke with the children on ways to aid their wellbeing.

Alistair Smith, acting head of school, said: "We won a competition which Natalie posted on social media, meaning that we won a visit from her to come into our school to talk about her books - which look at emotional intelligence and wellbeing.

"She took them in groups of classes and read some of her stories, and also took questions from the children which they had prepared in advance.

"It was a great way for them to find out about how to become an author and get their work published, it also is all about resilience and putting time into your work."

The children engaged well with Natalie during the visit, one of the first ones the school has been able to have since the Covid-19 pandemic began in 2020.

Mr Smith added: "The aim of the visit was to inspire children to reach their full potential, we are always pushing our children to believe in what they can achieve and never give up, which is especially poignant at the moment.

"We have a huge focus on wellbeing at our school and how each day's learning will help pupils in future, with jobs or day to day life. Welcoming a published author into school today reinforced this message even more.

"We hope one day we can invite one of the students back in the future to give a talk to other students about their careers, maybe they will also be an author!

"I am so pleased that Natalie could come into school, and have to say a massive thank you to her as well."