Story Club poster example 2026
Project Name: Story Club for KS1-4
Project Number: AP-007305
Emma Bettridge
Content:
- Emma Bettridge biography
- Link to gurlglobal review of The Ranch at the End of the World & interview.
- Supporting statement – Somerset Libraries supervisor.
- Email confirmations from Somerset Libraries. Equischolars & Courtfields School.
- New writing project info.
BIOG:
I am a children’s author and early years facilitator, who lives in Wiveliscombe, Exmoor. I’ve worked for several major theatres and festivals including Bristol Old Vic, Pulse festival at the New Wolsey Theatre, Caravan2014 (Farnham Maltings/Brighton Festival) and the Pleasance London & Edinburgh Theatres. I’ve always worked with children and animals, through training young horses and dogs, to PGL residential camps, as a riding school teacher for many year. I now practice equine assisted learning at EAQ Manor Farm as well as taking ‘Stories in the Wilds’ out across alternative education provision throughout the South West.
My picture books are available in all good bookstores, with my first Young Adult novel – The Ranch at the End of the World – published October 2024.
Gurlglobal review & interview: https://www.gurlglobal.com/ranch-at-the-end-of-the-world/
Supporting statements:
Emma’s story writing club continues to be a fantastic, vibrant, and popular group at Wiveliscombe library. It is constantly growing in numbers, and not only does it bring young children into our library, but it also brings a positive, fun energy into our safe and welcoming library environment. I have worked at the library whilst the group runs and have seen what a positive impact it has on the children from both a social and educational aspect. The collaboration of a story writing club held in our library is the perfect partnership.
James Denslow
Dulverton, Wellington, and Wiveliscombe Library supervisor
From: James Denslow <james.denslow@somerset.gov.uk>
Date: Monday, 10 November 2025 at 08:43
To: Emma Bettridge <elbettridge@outlook.com>
Subject: RE: Story Club
Morning Em
Of course, I think both libraries would absolutely love the idea………………Rosanne at Dulverton is also mad about dogs so I mean………….sounds a win/win situation there!
Let me know if you need anything and when you know a bit more we can sit down and discuss times and dates et al!
Glad its taken off at Wivey. We need to keep pushing as many events as we can there. The success of Story Club is great to show there is a need and an ability to deliver events if we do it with a positive energy and mindset.
Kind Regards
James Denslow
Library Supervisor Wellington, Dulverton, Wiveliscombe Library (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
Library and Information Officer Priorswood Library (Friday)
Somerset Council
Collection of Story Club images from pilots with Wiveliscombe Libray 2025/26
From:Kate Blackmore <Kate@equischolarshq.com>
Date: Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 12:53
To: Emma Bettridge <elbettridge@outlook.com>
Subject: RE: Story Club
Hi Love,
This is what we are offering out to clients – cannot wait to be working with you.
K x
Alternative Provision: Creative Writing
We are excited to introduce our new Creative Writing Alternative Provision, with Emma Bettridge, now offered as part of our site’s wider therapeutic and educational services. This programme nurtures literacy skills while supporting the whole child through our trauma-aware, nature-connected, and animal-assisted approach.
Every session is carefully designed to provide a calm, mindful, and safe environment, where learners can explore storytelling and self-expression at their own pace. By drawing inspiration from nature, animals, and equine-assisted experiences, learners discover imaginative ways to communicate, reflect, and build confidence.
The programme integrates:
- Literacy Development – building vocabulary, verbal processing, and written expression through playful, engaging activities.
- Creative Exploration – weaving animals, nature, and storytelling to revive imagination, curiosity, and joy in learning.
- Skill Building – strengthening fine and gross motor skills essential for writing, supported by movement-based and sensory activities.
- Emotional Safety – mistakes are reframed as essential steps in learning, encouraging resilience and self-belief.
- Mindfulness & Nature Connection – outdoor sessions, animal interactions, and reflective practices to support regulation, creativity, and inspiration.
- Portfolio Evidence – a tangible record of progress and creative growth, celebrating both literacy and personal development.
Our approach draws on polyvagal-informed practice, attachment-aware mentoring, and co-regulation techniques to ensure learners feel truly seen, heard, and supported. By integrating creative writing with animal and nature-based experiences, children and young people strengthen their literacy and develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and a deeper sense of connection.
Story Club with Nell at IKB Primary in Wellington 2025
From: Ruth Weston <rweston@courtfields.bep.ac>
Sent: 09 January 2026 09:58
To: Emma Bettridge <elbettridge@outlook.com>
Subject: Re: ⚠️External⚠️ Story Club!
Hi Emma,
Happy New Year!
I’ve been given the go ahead from the Head teacher to have you in with Story Club!! Yeah! So, I will see you on the 19th at 9.15am to schedule it for the year.
Thanks and see you soon
Ruth
Reading Lead
Primary Base
Key Stage 2 Teacher
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New writing projects:
Red is (not) Helping – Picture book 5-7yrs – 1000words w/illos
Second picture book ft. Red the dog as he crashes about trying to be helpful but actually just getting in the way. A new story about finding ways to compromise and understand each other better.
Back at The Ranch at The End of the World – YA Novel – 45,000 words
Nell returns to her love, Fran, and the Ranch which changed her life. This time, it’s raining. All the time. The waters are rising and the girls are forced to flee the ranch, taking the horses with them. A new temporary home, some drifters causing damage and Nell must grit her teeth and dig deep, as the new girl, George, makes a strong impression on Fran. A story about resilience, adventure and love.
Emma Bettridge projects 