Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 July 2008
British Tourist Drowns At Philippine Waterfall
A British tourist has drowned after being swept away by a strong current at a tourist spot in the Philippines. Richard Kidd, 56, from Gateshead, died on Saturday while swimming at Dunsulan Falls near Bataan, west of the capital, Manila.
British Tourist Drowns At Philippine Waterfall
A British tourist has drowned after being swept away by a strong current at a tourist spot in the Philippines. Richard Kidd, 56, from Gateshead, died on Saturday while swimming at Dunsulan Falls near Bataan, west of the capital, Manila.
12 November 2007
Man Jailed For Life For Lesley Molseed Murder
A 54-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of schoolgirl Lesley Molseed in 1975. Comic book dealer Ronald Castree, of Brandon Crescent, Oldham was found guilty of the 11-year-old's murder. He had denied the charge. He was jailed for life at Bradford Crown Court and told that he would have to serve a minimum of 30 years years in prison.
Man Jailed For Life For Lesley Molseed Murder
A 54-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of schoolgirl Lesley Molseed in 1975. Comic book dealer Ronald Castree, of Brandon Crescent, Oldham was found guilty of the 11-year-old's murder. He had denied the charge. He was jailed for life at Bradford Crown Court and told that he would have to serve a minimum of 30 years years in prison.
19 January 2006
Fathers 4 Justice disbands on kidnap plot allegations
Fathers 4 Justice is to disband, following reports linking the fathers' rights group to a plot to kidnap Prime Minister Tony Blair's youngest son.
Fathers 4 Justice disbands on kidnap plot allegations
Fathers 4 Justice is to disband, following reports linking the fathers' rights group to a plot to kidnap Prime Minister Tony Blair's youngest son.
02 August 2010
Sex Offender 'Watch' Underway
A scheme that helps keep children safe by allowing parents to ask police whether people with access to their family are sex offenders rolls-out nationally today, the Home Secretary has announced.
Sex Offender 'Watch' Underway
A scheme that helps keep children safe by allowing parents to ask police whether people with access to their family are sex offenders rolls-out nationally today, the Home Secretary has announced.
20 July 2012
Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'
Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say. The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.
Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'
Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say. The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
