The morning school drop-off can often be a rush for both children and parents. But what if it could be a chance to slow down and connect?

At Evatt Primary School, a new space is providing a welcoming environment to encourage families and children to connect and read a book before class.

Described as “modern and welcoming,” The Nest was designed in partnership with Evatt School P&C and partly funded through the ACT Government’s Supporting Schools P&C Engagement Grant, which aims to increase volunteering opportunities of school P&C’s.

Principal Michael Hatswell said everything about the space invites visitors to settle in and stay for a while, with a fully functional kitchen offering hot drinks, plenty of room to sit, a selection of picture books and a refurbished uniform shop.

“The real strength is the collaboration with local community organisations, school led initiatives such as the popular ‘Giggle and Wiggle’ program for parents with new babies and the strong fostering of parent engagement and community connection,” Mr Hatswell said.

Mr Hatswell said shared reading will strengthen the role of parents/carers as a child’s first and most influential teacher.

"If we can find and build a space where parents can spend 10 minutes a day with their kids — the kids are being educated and continuing to build that relationship with their parents through reading a book — how great for them and how great for us too because we're able to forge and foster those relationships here at the school."

Find out more about the Supporting Parent Engagement Grants Program here: Supporting Parent Engagement Grants Program