Author-led
Storytime Author Visit
Inspire a lifelong love of reading while giving children the opportunity to meet a real author and ask questions about the writing process.
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Stories, confidence & creativity
School visits that bring stories to life.
Inclusive, adaptable author sessions and classroom resources designed around the needs, values, and priorities of your school.
Explore the options
Every school hasa story to tell
Planning essentials
Availability & location
- Travel area
- Within 40 milesFrom Carlisle city centre, UK
- Remote sessions
- AvailableAsk about a remote format for your school
- Typical lead time
- 1–2 weeksEarlier enquiries offer more choice
- Current availability
- Open for bookingsEnquiries are welcome for any dates
Dates remain subject to confirmation. Travel outside the usual area may still be possible by arrangement.
In-person experiences
Author-led visits
Sessions led by Christopher and adapted to suit different age groups, abilities, and school priorities.
Author-led
Story Builders Workshop
A practical creative writing workshop focused on story structure, idea generation, and developing children’s confidence as writers and illustrators.
Author-led
Our School Story Project
A unique collaborative project in which pupils help create a bespoke picture book designed specifically for your school.
Flexible support
Teacher-led classroom resources
Bring Christopher’s stories and creative frameworks into your classroom at a time that works for you.
Teacher-led
Storytime – Classroom Resource
A flexible classroom resource that brings storytime and author insight into the classroom without the need for a school visit.
Teacher-led
Story Builders Workshop – Classroom Resource
A practical classroom resource that helps children understand how stories are structured and how they can create their own.
Teacher-led
Our School Story Project – Classroom Resource
A collaborative classroom project in which pupils contribute illustrations and ideas for a bespoke picture book.
For your classroom
Free teacher resources
Activity sheets, discussion prompts, lesson previews, and accessibility notes now live together in a dedicated resource library.
Compare your options
Which format suits your school?
Use this overview as a starting point. Sessions can be adapted around your pupils, timetable, and school priorities.
Compare all six options
| Session | Format | Suitable ages | Duration | Group size | Key outcomes | Delivery method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storytime Author Visit | Reception–Year 6; adapted by age | Around 1.5–2 hours per class | One class at a time | Reading for pleasure, listening, confidence, and wellbeing discussion | In person, led by Christopher | |
| Story Builders Workshop | Years 1–6; activities adapted by age | Around 2–3 hours; can be split | One class at a time | Story structure, idea generation, writing, illustration, and confidence | In person, led by Christopher | |
| Our School Story Project | Primary age; tailored to participating pupils | Planned with the school around the project | Selected groups, classes, or a wider school project | Collaboration, creativity, school values, and a shared story | In person, with follow-up book development available | |
| Storytime – Classroom Resource | Teacher-led | Reception–Year 6; teacher adapts discussion | Flexible; fits the class timetable | One class or multiple classes | Reading, listening, anxiety awareness, and wellbeing discussion | Teacher-led digital classroom resource |
| Story Builders Workshop – Classroom Resource | Teacher-led | Years 1–6; teacher adapts activities | Flexible; one lesson or several sessions | One class or multiple classes | Story structure, planning, writing, illustration, and creative confidence | Teacher-led classroom resource |
| Our School Story Project – Classroom Resource | Teacher-led | Primary age; tailored by the teacher | Flexible project delivered over time | A class, year group, or wider school | Collaboration, creativity, school values, and shared authorship | Teacher-led resource with guidance and templates |
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Simple from start to finish
Your booking journey
Clear communication and thoughtful preparation make it easy to organise a visit that works for your school.
First
Enquiry & requirements
Tell Christopher about your pupils, preferred dates, school priorities, accessibility needs, and the format that interests you.
Together
Confirmation
Christopher will discuss availability and recommend a suitable plan. The date, format, timetable, delivery, and pricing are then agreed.
Before the visit
Preparation
You will confirm practical details and share anything needed to adapt the session. Staff receive clear information to help everyone feel ready.
On the day
Visit day
Christopher arrives prepared to deliver an engaging, inclusive session shaped around the agreed plan and the pupils in the room.
Afterwards
Follow-up resources
Continue the conversation with relevant activities, prompts, and ideas that help pupils revisit their learning after the session.
Planning with confidence
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about arranging a school visit, from the first conversation to the day itself.
How far does Christopher travel for school visits?
Travel arrangements depend on the school’s location and the shape of the day. Include your postcode or town in the enquiry and Christopher will confirm availability, practical travel requirements, and any associated costs before you book.
How much does a visit cost?
Pricing is tailored to the format, number of sessions, preparation required, location, and any optional follow-up work. Once Christopher understands your requirements, you will receive a clear quote before anything is confirmed.
What safeguarding arrangements are needed?
Christopher will follow the school’s visitor and safeguarding procedures. An appropriate member of school staff should remain present and responsible for pupils throughout every session. Please share relevant procedures during planning, without sending confidential pupil information through the website form.
Can sessions be adapted for accessibility and SEND needs?
Yes. Sessions can be adjusted through pacing, visual structure, participation choices, movement or sensory breaks, communication supports, and alternative ways to contribute. The class team knows its pupils best, so useful adaptations should be discussed before the visit.
What group sizes work best?
Storytime visits and workshops usually work best with one class at a time, while collaborative story projects can involve selected groups, classes, or the wider school. If you are planning an assembly or larger audience, include the expected number of pupils in your enquiry so an appropriate format can be discussed.
What equipment does the school need to provide?
Requirements vary by session, but may include a suitable teaching space, seating, a display or projector, speakers, and basic writing or drawing materials. Christopher will provide a simple checklist during preparation so there are no surprises on the day.
What happens if we need to cancel or rearrange?
Contact Christopher as early as possible if plans change. Any cancellation terms will be shared before confirmation, and reasonable efforts will be made to find an alternative date where availability allows.
Can a visit include book signing?
Book signing can often be included when arranged in advance. The school and Christopher will agree timing, how books are ordered or supplied, and how any payments are handled so the process is manageable and does not disrupt the school day.
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Test update FAQ.
Still unsure about something? Include your question in the enquiry form.
Plan your visit
Let's create the right experience for your pupils.
Tell Christopher about your year groups, current focus, preferred dates, and which option interests you. Availability, delivery, and pricing can then be tailored to your school.