Adopted schools have been part of Moto Foundation and Moto in the Community for as long as the charity has existed, with a primary focus on supporting literacy in schools.
In the beginning…
In early 2006 48 local schools were adopted by Moto sites, and in 2007 its’ first big schools project, “10,000 books for 10,000 kids” was launched. This project has since become the annual Books to Schools programme and has seen Moto Foundation donate in excess of 250,000 books, through partners, Oxford University Press.
A 20th birthday present
The current network of 57 adopted schools are choosing their ‘Books to Schools’ this month, and as a 20th birthday present, the Foundation has doubled the number of book bundles the schools can choose from! This is an investment of over £200,000-worth of literacy resources into adopted schools local to Moto sites.
Partnerships in action
Woolley Edge Site Operations Manager, Sarah-Jane McRobbie, reflects on the long-term school partnerships her site has:
“I have found such pleasure in being able to support our local schools. I have had the opportunity to go to the schools and see the difference Moto Foundation has made. I have attended assemblies, been shown round libraries, I have seen new reading sheds and spoken to children about what books they like to read. It’s like being a celebrity when we go to school as everyone wants to see us and talk to us! Sometimes the children visit us on site with their teachers. It’s a joy to see how the visits help build their confidence.
It makes such a difference when you actually see what impact our fundraising makes to our community.”
Woolley’s schools love the partnership as well:
“For years, we have been lucky enough to be an adopted school. Not only do the children benefit from the grants and books, they also get to develop their social and citizenships skills when working alongside the public through supporting fundraising events.” Parisa Nowshirvani, KS1 & PSHEE Leader, Wellgate Primary School
“We are grateful for the new books Moto Foundation provide for us and our new reading den, we like having lovely books for our library.” Children of Holy Rood Catholic Primary School
“Being a Moto Foundation adopted school is a fantastic experience. We have benefitted so much from the very generous donations of books over the years. These have transformed our library and class novels. Thank you so much.” Sue Brooke-Mawson, Deputy Headteacher, Hanging Heaton C of E (VC) J & I School
A decade of literacy competitions
For ten years the Foundation has run a Young Author competition – receiving a whopping 5,529 stories from budding writers over this time! The winning school this year will receive and author workshop and £2,500, runner up schools £1,000-worth of new books, as well as £50 WH Smiths vouchers for the winning author and four runners up. Look out for the winner’s announcement – coming soon!
“Oxford University Press has been a proud partner of Moto Foundation’s schools programme for over 17 years, helping to advise and provide the most trusted, relevant, and up-to-date books and resources for the adopted schools. Each year we work together to add new, exciting titles to libraries and classrooms providing essential tools to help support teachers lay the foundation for a life-long love of reading. Our authors and illustrators are honoured to spearhead the annual writing competition, reading the entries and visiting the winning school. We look forward to working together in the future, helping to further our mission to change lives, through learning.”
Cathy Booker, Senior Key Account Manager, Oxford University Press
Impact
The impact the Foundation’s literacy programmes have had on schools local to Moto sites is huge. Here is just one example:
“We would like to say a huge thank you for all the donated books. They mean a great deal to us. With your donated books, we are able to fill our book corners. We have even used them in our Academy Reading Challenge. There are 190 children in my school who will all benefit from the books you have donated. However, due to the vast number that you donate, we have also been able to distribute some of the books to our sister schools. In this way you are reaching a further 500+ children in the Dover area with your generous gift.
We have coincided your donation with our Academy Book Week. We held an assembly on our World Book Day to showcase the books and raise a real excitement for them. The children couldn’t wait to read them!” Amanda Abbott, Assistant Head, Vale View Primary School – Moto Dover adopted school
Thanks to Moto colleagues
Moto sites have supported their schools for twenty years, helping them to apply for community grants, supporting competitions, hosting site visits, supplying prizes, volunteering, talking in assemblies and so much more – a HUGE thank you to them for all of their support!
Adopted schools are a central part of Moto Foundation’s history and we look forward to the important part they will play in the charity’s future.
