Bookstart

Bookstart is the national programme that encourages all parents and carers to enjoy books with children from as early an age as possible.

 www.bookstart.co.uk 

We want every child in the UK to develop a lifelong love of books. Working through locally-based organisations, Bookstart gives the gift of free books to children at around eight months, 18 months and three years, along with guidance materials for parents and carers. Bookstart also aims to foster a love of books through a range of fun activities. But Bookstart packs are only half of the gift to children and their families. The other, more lasting gift is the message of enjoying books together.

The books are chosen by Booktrust, an independent charity that encourages people to discover and enjoy reading. Although Bookstart works with different partners, including commercial sponsors, charitable trusts and government departments, the book selection process is independent and has no government or commercial involvement.

Bookstart is universal: Booktrust aims for every baby in the UK to get a Bookstart pack. It is estimated that the programme currently reaches 90 per cent of babies in the UK, and we're working hard to fill the gaps.

Many parents are surprised to learn that babies can benefit from books at such an early age, but research shows that babies and toddlers who love books begin reading sooner and have a better chance at school.

The first five years are the best time for learning to talk and most of a child's language comes from the adults around them. Enjoying books with babies and toddlers is a wonderful way to increase language skills and helps children to understand their world.

Bookstart is a public and private partnership and benefits from sponsorship from over 20 children's publishers, Red House Books and central funding from Sure Start (England and Wales) and the Scottish Executive (Scotland). Bookstart brings together over 4,000 libraries, 12,000 health visitors, over 14 publishers and many government, health and library agencies to make sure that every child in the UK develops a lifelong love of reading.

There are plenty of reasons why sharing books with your children is a good thing, take a look at www.youbabybookmagic.org.uk for a few ideas or to share your thoughts with others.

How Do You Get Your Free Bookstart Books?

In Worcestershire, your child should receive a Bookstart baby pack at around 9 months and a Bookstart Plus toddler pack at around 2 and a half years from your Health Visitor or Nursery Nurse at a development check.

If your child has not received their pack, you may ask for one from your local library. (Please take along your "Red" Child Health Record Book)

The "My Bookstart Treasure Chest" is gifted directly to a child at an Early Years Setting (play school, nursery or childminder) in the year before they start school (3-4years old). Deliveries to each setting are made once per school year. If your child does not attend an early years setting, you may collect a Treasure Chest from a library as above.

National Bookstart Day

Sue Hargest, Service Development Co-ordinator, Children and Families, said: "National Bookstart Day gives us the opportunity to share our love of rhymes and stories with children and families across Worcestershire.

"Research shows children who enjoy books have better language and listening skills, greater emotional and social development and are much more likely to be eager and confident learners when they start school."

More information about events happening in local libraries can be found on the Children's Activities page.

If you would like to find out more about National Bookstart Day contact Sue Hargest or Emma Powell on 01905 428945.