How Schools Can Save 2+ Hours a Week on Reading Log Admin
Back-to-school season always feels like a fresh start. New timetables, new routines, new pupils. But one thing rarely feels new — the mountain of paperwork and admin that comes with it. For teachers, reading logs are one of those small daily tasks that quietly add up into a huge drain on time. Now, with the National Year of Reading 2026 on the horizon, schools will be under even more pressure to evidence reading progress — making streamlined admin more important than ever.
In fact, research shows teachers spend 8+ hours a week on admin. That’s a full working day gone every single week — time that could be spent planning lessons, working with pupils, or simply taking a much-needed breather.
So, here’s the question: what if you could give your teachers back 2+ hours every week, without cutting corners?
The Hidden Cost of Reading Log Admin
Reading logs are essential for building strong reading habits, but the admin behind them is rarely talked about. Consider the realities:
Lost or forgotten diaries lead to constant chasing.
Manual collation of reading progress for reports takes hours each term.
Parent updates get missed if the diary doesn’t make it back into school.
Paper waste and reprinting costs add up quickly.
Multiply this across every class and every pupil, and suddenly reading logs become a significant workload issue for both teachers and support staff.
Why Digital Reading Diaries Change Everything
The good news? Schools are finding simple ways to cut this admin burden without losing the benefits of reading logs. Digital reading diaries are one of the fastest-growing solutions, and here’s why:
Instant parent-teacher communication means no more lost diaries or paper trails.
Automatic notifications keep parents in the loop without teachers chasing them.
Teachers can assign books and track progress at the click of a button.
Reports generate in seconds, saving hours of manual collation each term.
Supports all major reading schemes, so it fits seamlessly into existing practice.
It’s the same purpose — building consistent reading habits — but delivered in a way that lightens the load rather than adding to it.
What 2 Hours a Week Really Means
“Two hours a week” might sound small, but let’s break it down. Over a school year, that’s 70+ hours saved per teacher. In other words, nearly two full working weeks freed up.
Reducing workload isn’t just about saving time — it’s about improving teacher wellbeing and retention. Giving teachers back space in their week is one of the most powerful ways to keep them motivated and focused on what they do best.
Beyond Time-Saving: Extra Benefits
While workload reduction is the headline benefit, digital reading diaries bring more to the table:
Paper-free and eco-friendly: cut printing costs and support sustainability goals.
Consistency across the school: SLT can see engagement at a glance.
Parent engagement: easy access keeps families connected and pupils motivated.
This isn’t just about saving time — it’s about creating a more efficient, connected reading culture across the whole school community.
A Smarter Start to the School Year
As the new term gets underway, the schools that thrive are the ones that streamline early. By replacing traditional reading logs with a digital solution, you can save 2+ hours a week on admin and give your teachers back the gift of time.
Because less paperwork doesn’t just mean lighter workloads. It means more energy for the lessons that inspire pupils, more focus on the children who need it most, and more balance for the teachers who give their all every day.
Want to see how much time your school could save? Give the Pageticker dashboard a try for free
