Category Archives: Education

Summer Reading Challenge is back!

Turn the Page and Turn Up the Volume with the Summer Reading Challenge

Looking for a fun way to keep children reading over the summer holidays? The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge is back, and this year’s musical theme, Read to the Beat, promises plenty of fun for young readers.

The challenge launches at all Hertfordshire Libraries on Saturday 4 July and runs until Saturday 5 September. Children are invited to read books throughout the summer, complete reading challenges and collect themed rewards along the way.

Everyone who completes the challenge will also be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a place at an exclusive workshop with children’s author Gareth P. Jones.

The Summer Reading Challenge is completely free to take part in. Children simply need to be members of Hertfordshire Libraries, and if they’re not already members, joining is quick and free too.

Find out more on their website HERE.

Reading just a few books over the summer can help children maintain their reading confidence before returning to school in September and the Summer Reading Challenge is a fantastic way to make reading enjoyable throughout the holidays.

Whether your child is already an avid reader or just discovering a love of books, why not pop into your local library this summer and join in?

Happy reading!

SEND Strategy 2026–2029 Consultation

The Hertfordshire SEND Local Area Partnership has developed a new SEND Strategy for 2026–2029, which sets out their shared ambitions to improve outcomes for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This strategy has been shaped by the voices of children, young people, families, and professionals across education, health, and social care.

Local people are being invited to have their say on the ambitious new draft strategy for SEND that has greater collaboration at its core by completing a short online survey.

The consultation seeks to find out:

  • Do the ambitions reflect what matters most to children and young people with SEND and their families?
  • Are there any parts which are missing, unclear or need strengthening?
  • What do you think is the single most important priority for us to focus on?

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT STRATEGY HERE:

RESPOND TO THE SURVEY HERE: https://surveys.hertfordshire.gov.uk/s/SENDSC/

Consultation start date: Friday 14 November 2025
Consultation closing date: Friday 6 November 2026

Be sure to have your say!