Professional guidance – Free Books Scheme
- Published: 04 May 2023
When it comes to the administration and implementation of the School Books Grant, schools will differ in how the grant will be managed. Many schools already administer a Book Rental Scheme and will have a stock of textbooks. Advice and guidance is contained in School Books Grant – Guidelines for Primary and Special Schools. You may also wish to consider the following areas as arrangements are made over the next number of weeks.
Booksellers have indicated their willingness to engage with schools to ease the administration load in implementing the scheme.
Once class teachers have drawn up a list of textbooks, workbooks and stationery, discuss with staff how much workbooks contribute to quality teaching and learning. Agree the list for each class. What is the best way for books to be delivered – individual or class packs? Agree what is included in the pack. When communicating with parents, clearly state what the grant covers and equally what is not covered.
When engaging with suppliers, the following questions may prove helpful:
- Will the supplies be delivered to the school?
- Will they be delivered in class or individual pupil packs?
- Will they deliver during the summer?
- Will they invoice in September? One invoice and one payment will reduce the amount of administration and be easier to monitor when checking invoice against supplies.
- Will they keep an account of each class list to facilitate the ordering of books for children who enroll during the year?
- Will they accept returns of books for pupils who may not attend in September?
- Do they provide a book covering service? There may be a fee for this that needs to be factored into the cost.
Remind parents also that books are on loan and have to be returned at the end of the school year.
