Reading for pleasure is important to everyone at our school, and we have been delighted to have connections with award winning authors over the past few years.  As well as World Book Day visits by authors such as Piers Torday and MG Leonard, Essendine was proud to have Ross Montgomery as their Patron of Reading for a whole year.  During this time, he taught all classes across KS1 and KS2,  delivered assemblies and was present at the launch of our 'Reading Den.' 

In recent years, our school has also had a long-standing connection with Abi Elphinstone through the Beanstalk Reading charity.  For a number of years, Abi would read with a reading group weekly.  The reading groups were fortunate to attend some of her book launches.  Abi no longer is able to visit our school every week but she still regularly pops in to see the children and inspire them. We thank her for her relentless generosity.