In January 2007 we ran a pilot project, designed to spread multi-sensory storytelling into libraries; we had no idea it would be such a huge success!

In those four weeks in the Eastern Counties, we trained more library staff to tell multi-sensory stories than in the whole of the previous year.

Seeing this amazing interest, we launched a series of regional Tours under the "Story-Go-Round" banner.

We aim to "leave a community legacy" of multi-sensory storytelling; library staff will be trained, local special schools will be paired with their libraries and story-packs will be provided.

The Tours are not the end of Story-Go-Round: we will provide ongoing resources and advice to local community organisations as they continue to offer multi-sensory storytelling.

If your library, special school or other service to school-age children with SLD/PMLD would like to be more involved in storytelling for youngsters with profound special needs, e-mail us now.

"Just to let you know that I've had six sessions with PMLD children aged between 5-13 over the summer at stay and play style sessions set up specially for them here in Rochdale. The response was absolutely brilliant, both from the staff, who are excited about the prospect of more sessions and will be looking to see if they can have Bag Books at their schools, but most importantly from the children.

"I can't remember when I've had more personally rewarding story sessions. To see the smiles and the looks of anticipation on the children's faces as the next part of the story came along was an experience not to be missed. Staff commented on how long the children stayed settled to participate in these stories, some who would not settle at all usually."

Ray Stearn
Children's Services Manager
Wheatsheaf Library
Rochdale