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26/07/2005
Government announces children's free book scheme
Plans to expand a scheme providing free books to babies and children, have been announced by the government.
Under the Bookstart scheme, every one to two-year-old will receive a satchel and books, while three to four-year-olds will receive a 'treasure chest' containing books and crayons.
The new scheme is due to be introduced in September, with the aim of achieving complete coverage of England by April 2006.
Bookstart currently provides every baby aged up to 12 months with a free bag of baby books and this will continue under the new scheme.
Announcing the scheme, Education and Skills Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “All children deserve the best start in life and we know that supporting early learning is central to ensuring that. Through the Bookstart programme we are helping to underpin children’s learning and development from birth and give parents the opportunity and tools to engage with and support their child’s early learning. This is a real boost to every baby and toddler in the country.”
The Bookstart scheme is delivered in partnership between health visitors, librarians and early years practitioners in conjunction with a number of children’s book publishers. The programme aims to support children’s early communication, language development and social and emotional development, as well as encourage parents to share books with their children.
Rosemary Clarke, Head of Bookstart, said: “Giving books to babies and small children helps them to develop confidence and gives them a curiosity about life and an eagerness to learn new things. Together we aim to give children a love of books and improve the life chances of every child.”
(KMcA/SP)
Under the Bookstart scheme, every one to two-year-old will receive a satchel and books, while three to four-year-olds will receive a 'treasure chest' containing books and crayons.
The new scheme is due to be introduced in September, with the aim of achieving complete coverage of England by April 2006.
Bookstart currently provides every baby aged up to 12 months with a free bag of baby books and this will continue under the new scheme.
Announcing the scheme, Education and Skills Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “All children deserve the best start in life and we know that supporting early learning is central to ensuring that. Through the Bookstart programme we are helping to underpin children’s learning and development from birth and give parents the opportunity and tools to engage with and support their child’s early learning. This is a real boost to every baby and toddler in the country.”
The Bookstart scheme is delivered in partnership between health visitors, librarians and early years practitioners in conjunction with a number of children’s book publishers. The programme aims to support children’s early communication, language development and social and emotional development, as well as encourage parents to share books with their children.
Rosemary Clarke, Head of Bookstart, said: “Giving books to babies and small children helps them to develop confidence and gives them a curiosity about life and an eagerness to learn new things. Together we aim to give children a love of books and improve the life chances of every child.”
(KMcA/SP)
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