Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the Children’s Laureate, has called for urgent steps to tackle the “indefensible” gap in reading opportunities among young people.
The author and screenwriter wants the “invisible privilege” of being read to from a young age to become a “universal right” for all children.
A new report, created by Cottrell-Boyce and the children’s reading charity BookTrust, says every child and family should have access to high-quality books that reflect today’s UK.
The report will be launched on Wednesday at Edith Kerrison Nursery School and Children’s Centre in London. It also says early years staff should get training in storytelling. This will help them feel confident sharing stories and teaching parents how to read with their children.
Cottrell-Boyce, known for the novels Framed and Millions, said, “Britain is not an equal society. There are 4.3 million children living in poverty.
“When I became the Waterstones Children’s Laureate, I wanted to use my role to help these children who are being left behind.
“I started the Reading Rights campaign to highlight this unfair inequality and to show that we can change it.
“We have a very powerful tool — shared reading.”
This report follows a summit led by Cottrell-Boyce in Liverpool in January. The event brought together experts from politics, education, literacy, early years, arts, and health to suggest actions.
In the report’s foreword, Cottrell-Boyce wrote, “Children who have not enjoyed the invisible privilege of being read to will soon become parents. Without support, they may pass on this disadvantage to their own children.
“The task is urgent and important, but also possible and joyful.”
He added, “I am asking the Government, both locally and nationally, to help make this simple but vital experience available to everyone.
“This will remind us of who we really are — the storytelling species.”
Diana Gerald, chief executive of BookTrust, said, “We are proud to work with Frank Cottrell-Boyce on the Reading Rights campaign, and with the many experts involved so far.
“BookTrust has long worked to help children and families read, but many children still miss out on the benefits of early shared reading.
“This report is the next step to make shared reading and storytelling a daily part of every child’s life.
“We hope this campaign will unite, inspire, and focus everyone committed to improving children’s lives.”
A spokeswoman from the Department for Education said, “This Government is committed to breaking the unfair link between a child’s background and their future success.
“We have set clear goals through the Plan for Change to help tens of thousands more children start school ready to learn.
“Helping every child become a confident reader is key to their development, wellbeing, and life chances.
“That is why we are expanding early language support, creating more nursery places in schools, and supporting parents with home learning through Family Hubs and Start for Life programmes.
“The Education Secretary has made clear that reading and writing are the foundations of learning.
“We will keep working with experts to build an early years system that gives every child the best start in life.”
