Background Information for Parents and Teachers

What is Supported Study?

The Supported Study Project is a public library based activity, currently aimed at Primary 6 pupils in North Ayrshire. Pupils are introduced to a homework collection of Environmental Studies Topic Books held in the library and the Education Resource Service Website "Online" through a class visit to the library.

The Project aims to promote lifelong and family learning and highlights the extensive range of information contained in the local library.

Pupils have opportunities to conduct research in their library in a  curriculum context and are introduced to the computer facilities. The Library and Information Service offers free computer and internet access.

Parents have the opportunity to accompany their children to the library and be involved in their homework activities, with safe web information and relevant topic books.

What are the aims

• To create equal opportunities for families to access information, homework support and facilities to support their children's learning.

• To strengthen links between the public library and primary schools

• to provide information for parents and families about the homework collections and website support available to them through the Education Resource Service

What happens on a Supported Study Visit to the Local Library?

The library Staff will introduce themselves to the class and explain how to join the library and what can be borrowed.

Pupils will use the computers in the study centre to look at the Education Resource Service website on the Internet. Library staff will guide the class to the specific websites with activities for the topic being studied. Other groups will use the homework collection of books and other non-fiction books. Pupils within the Regeneration Outcome Agreement Data zones will also have the chance to look at the fiction section and think about the Reading for Pleasure aspect of library services.

Library staff will issue membership cards to teachers for pupils who are not yet members of the library.

Homework Book Collection

Every library in North Ayrshire has a Homework Collection of books in the library. These collections support the topics taught in Primary 4 - 7.

Education Resource Service Website

Provides links to information on the curriculum for sites recommended by teachers and ERS staff.