Why did you decide to create a reading retreat?
"We decided to create the Reading Retreat because, at Acre Heads, we are passionate about reading and the power it has to inspire, educate, and spark imagination. We wanted to provide our pupils with a dedicated space where they could borrow books and experience the atmosphere of a real library. Our goal was to make reading accessible and enjoyable for everyone, especially for those who may be more reluctant to pick up a book. By creating an engaging and welcoming environment, we hope to nurture a lifelong love of reading and give every child the opportunity to explore new stories, ideas, and worlds."
What did you hope the space would achieve for your pupils?
"We hoped the space would provide our pupils with a welcoming and inspiring environment that could be enjoyed all year round, even though it is situated outside. Our aim was to create a versatile area that could be seamlessly incorporated into our Acre Play offer, giving children the opportunity to visit during their lunchtime and choose to read in a special, peaceful place. We wanted the reading retreat to become a valued part of school life - somewhere pupils could relax, explore new stories, and develop a genuine love for reading in their own time."
How does this space support your reading culture and ethos as a school?
"The Reading Retreat supports our reading culture and ethos by reinforcing the idea that reading is both engaging and important in every part of school life. Across Acre Heads, classrooms feature inviting reading corners and pupils have access to a wide selection of home reading books, ensuring that reading opportunities are always within reach. The Reading Retreat adds another dimension to this by providing a dedicated space where reading truly takes centre stage. Its magical atmosphere makes reading feel like a special and valued part of a child’s day, while also showing our commitment to nurturing a love of books. By carefully selecting this unique space to house our library books, we demonstrate how much we value reading as a cornerstone of our school community."
What does it mean for your pupils to have a space like this?
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"For our pupils, having a space like the Reading Retreat means so much more than simply having access to books—it represents a sense of pride, belonging, and inspiration. Our Year 6 Reading Ambassadors described it as a “magical cabin” that feels welcoming, cosy and homely, a place they genuinely want to visit. The Reading Retreat stands out as something unique to Acre Heads, helping to make reading feel special and exciting. It encourages children to read more, to explore new stories, and to see reading as a joyful part of their day. Being able to borrow books, read at lunchtime, and experience the feel of a real library gives pupils independence and ownership over their reading journey. Ultimately, the space reflects how deeply we value reading as a school and how committed we are to making it a meaningful experience for every child."
Would you recommend a cabin like this to other schools, and why?
"Absolutely. We would highly recommend a cabin like this to other schools. The entire process, from the initial planning stages to the final installation, went smoothly and was supported every step of the way by the Cabins for Schools team. Their guidance and expertise made the experience enjoyable and stress-free. The installation team were efficient, professional, and friendly, ensuring everything was completed to a high standard. Since its arrival, everyone who visits our school comments on how magical and inviting the cabin looks. It has become a real talking point and a much-loved feature of our grounds. We would wholeheartedly recommend Cabins for Schools to any school looking to create an engaging and inspiring outdoor space for their pupils to enjoy."
What choices have you made inside to make the space inviting for children?
"We wanted the Reading Retreat to feel warm, welcoming, and inspiring for all our pupils, so every choice we made inside was focused on creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Thanks to the generosity of our families, we were able to make the space even more special and usable all year round. Additions such as a resin floor and an air conditioning unit ensure the cabin stays warm in winter and cool in summer, making it a comfortable place to read whatever the weather."
"To complement the natural style of the cabin, we installed wooden shelving to display our books beautifully and keep the space organised. Finishing touches like comfy pouffes, soft cushions, and twinkly fairy lights have helped us achieve the cosy, magical feel we envisioned. Outside the cabin, we have invested in all weather surfacing and picnic benches so children can choose to read either inside or outside the Reading Retreat. Our school gardening club will also be adding planters during the spring term, focusing on wildlife-friendly planting to make the area even more inviting and connected to nature."
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