A special education school has switched sweets and drinks for books with a unique vending machine for its pupils.

Bradfields Academy in Chatham says the idea was as a result of books becoming a luxury item to some families, sparked by the cost of living crisis.

The mixed school teaches children aged four upwards, as well as young adults –providing education for those with speech, language and communication needs, autism spectrum disorder and moderate learning difficulties.

Ahead of international literacy day today (September 8), they have held a number of sponsored reading events.

They also decided to introduce a book vending machine.

Printing company CPI is sponsoring the installation and upkeep, and the Co-op is funding a selection of fiction and non-fiction books.

In a recent survey, the school discovered that more than 30% of pupils didn’t have access to books at home.

Sherie McCormick, subject leader for English said: “Reading helps to improve concentration, expand vocabulary, inspire creativity and spark imagination.

“It also helps our students to improve their self-esteem.

"As educators, we know that the more a child is read to in their formative years, the more likely they are to read for pleasure themselves.

“And the more a child reads for pleasure, the more likely they are to achieve academically as well as helping to develop their social and emotional skills.”