Bookstart initiative to get more kids reading

The Bookstart programme, run by the UK’s largest children’s reading charity BookTrust, provides books to families with very young children and encourages positive home learning environments from an early age.

In announcing the Department’s support, Education Minister Peter Weir acknowledged the difficulties being faced by new parents during the Covid-19 crisis and the benefits of providing books directly to families: “It is recognised that many new parents may not have access to the same support networks during this very difficult period, or access to books for their children due to libraries being closed. Encouraging a love of reading in children from an early age is important to the development of their social and communication skills. Small steps, like reading to your child at night, can have a very positive lifelong effect in a whole range of areas.”

The Department will contribute £50,000 towards the delivery of BookTrust’s Bookstart programme in Northern Ireland in 2020/21.

Liz Canning, head of BookTrust Northern Ireland, said: “We know that children who are read to are happier, healthier, more empathetic and more creative; it’s never been a more important time for us to reach families, who may be lacking the support and access to books they would normally have. Northern Ireland is clearly committed to changing the lives of their children.”

It is expected that book packs will be delivered to 24,000 families with young children this year.