A Reading Ambassador at a Whitwick School is a finalist in the 2023 Primary and Secondary School Librarian of the Year awards.

The judges have named Sarah Cross, of Whitwick St John the Baptist CE Primary School, on a short list of just three from all over the UK.

They said Sarah has 'transformed the library'.

The other finalists are from Cambridgeshire and Bristol, but the judges said of Sarah: "Sarah's role as Reading Ambassador sits alongside her work as a Teaching Assistant in the school, and yet in only eight hours a week, she has transformed the library and put reading for pleasure at the heart of the school. 

"As well as ensuring that the library collection is diverse, she has been able to have an impact on the choices of texts for class reads too, ensuring that all children in the school are being exposed to the very best books."

The School Library Association's School Librarian of the Year Award says it recognises the best of the excellent work that is carried out in school libraries every day.

It adds: "School library staff are not only pivotal in developing a school's reading culture, but are also unsung heroes of supporting pupils' wellbeing.

"Primary schools across the UK have nominated their amazing staff members that deserve recognition for the impact they are having on reading.

"Our panel of judges have selected three outstanding librarians as this year's Primary School Librarian of the Year shortlist."

Chair of the Judges, Ros Harding said: "The shortlist for the Primary School Librarian of the Year is testament to the difference that the right person can make to a school. 

"The three shortlisted candidates are all committed to diversity of reading experiences in terms of representation and of being challenged beyond their comfort zones.

"They have all created libraries where pupils can feel safe, nurtured and creative."