Children’s enjoyment of reading has reached the lowest levels we’ve ever recorded in 20 years, falling drastically in the last year alone. This matters because our research shows that when children enjoy reading they are more likely to have strong reading skills, improved mental wellbeing and empathy, and a greater aptitude for learning – all of which help them succeed in school and beyond.
Once an American school bus, the Bradford Stories Bus has been transformed into an inspiring space for storytelling, reading, writing, and relaxing for children and families in Bradford. With seating areas, bookshelves, and soft furnishings, it is a space devoted to running literacy-themed events, all with the aim to inspire children to read and write for pleasure.
We take the bus directly to schools and community groups in Bradford where the need for literacy support is greatest, encouraging reading for pleasure and engaging children and families with literacy in all its forms.
Become a Bradford Stories Bus Stop
Are you a teacher that would like to bring the magic of the Bradford Stories Bus to your class? Do you want to inspire children at your community centre to pick up a book? Do you work with children who could discover the joy of reading on board the bus?
The Bradford Stories Bus is available for schools, events, and community organisations throughout Bradford.
Costs and funding
Whole day event including event planning and delivery as well as a free book* for each participant (up to 360) = £660 + VAT
We have a limited number of funded visits available. These are prioritised for schools and groups as follows:
- Events supported by Literacy Champion volunteers (find out more about volunteering with us here)
- Events located in Keighley, Toller and Tong/Bowling-Holmewood
- Schools or groups participating in a National Literacy Trust programme
- Schools or groups who have never had a Bradford Stories Bus visit before
We also ask that all schools benefitting from a fully funded visit to take part in our Annual Literacy Survey.
*Free books are gifted by the National Literacy Trust in Bradford and partner publishers. Titles and stock may vary.
Parking
The bus is classed as an HGV and is a large vehicle measuring almost 12 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width. The bus requires a reserved designated parking space to be arranged for the duration of the stay considering safe access for pupils and families. Where car park access is an issue, the bus can park on a main road with the entrance facing the path side (subject to parking restrictions and a risk assessment).
The bus has an optional outdoor awning which provides additional space during events. This adds an additional 3.5m width to the bus (6m in total). If you would like to use the awning space, please consider this additional size when arranging parking.