Happily, the Government has done a U-turn on its decision to withdraw all funding from Bookstart, and although the programme will be greatly reduced, it will continue to bring benefits to young children and their families.
Administered by Booktrust, the Bookstart programme has for many years ensured that all children in the UK receive free packs of books at key stages in their development. There is significant evidence that this gift of carefully selected books, along with the information leaflets that come with them, has made a positive difference to their lives.
Nevertheless, the Government last December announced its intention to withdraw all funding from the programme - a move that shocked early years and library communities, and led to considerable concern among professionals and parents that this valuable resource was about to be lost.
Now, due to enormous public support for the scheme and the Government's stated determination to ensure that reading for pleasure is a gift every child can enjoy, that decision has been reversed.
Late last month, education secretary Michael Gove announced that £7.5m of Government funding will be provided during 2011-12 (reduced to £6m in 2012-13) to enable a range of bookgifting programmes. At only half of Bookstart's previous funding this does, however, represent a significant reduction in income and, although children's book publishers will continue to support the scheme, Booktrust's CEO, Viv Bird, says that the cuts have led to 'tough decisions about the future shape of the bookgifting programme'. It is her intention to ensure 'the continued delivery of a universal offer in a cost-effective way, and also create new offers targeted to those most in need' so that the packs 'continue to offer the best possible value while retaining their extraordinary quality and reach'.
BOOKSTART PACKS
The Bookstart Baby canvas bag, which was first introduced as a pilot scheme in Birmingham in 1992, is now given out every year to thousands of babies up to a year old, usually during health clinic appointments. Thankfully, it is set to continue.
The pack currently contains two simple board books (often the first books a child owns), a nursery rhyme placemat, and invaluable advice for new parents about the proven importance of sharing stories and rhymes.
The popular Treasure Chest pack for three-year-olds, mostly gifted through public libraries, will also continue, albeit in a slightly different format.
But the real loss lies in the decision to axe Bookstart Plus, the familiar red nylon satchel-style bags containing toddler-stage books, colouring and number resources, which, until now, have been given to all children between the ages of 18 and 30 months.
The last packs are expected to be delivered in June, after which they will be replaced by the new Bookstart Corner, to be made available through Sure Start children's centres only. This will contain learning resources targeted specifically at those children, aged from 12 to 30 months, who are considered most in need. One of the aims is to encourage socially disadvantaged families to make use of children's centres for the first time.
Consultations and decision-making are going on as the schemes are being reshaped over the coming months, and no announcement has yet been made about the future of the existing special packs for blind or deaf children, or dual language options. For up-to-date advice, and to find out how to access any of the packs locally, contact your Bookstart co-ordinator. If in doubt, the local public library should be able to point you in the right direction.
WHAT ELSE IS ON OFFER?
Despite the challenges imposed by its funding problems, Bookstart is still very much committed to what has always been its principal aim - to bring a lifelong love of reading into the lives of young children. Here are some of the other ways they are able to achieve this.
The Bookstart website
The website www.bookstart.org.uk has recently been revamped. It is an ideal resource for use in the setting or for families to try out at home. It's very easy to navigate, and offers a lively mix of news, information and reading tips for parents and professionals, competitions, and interactive activities for children. These include nursery rhymes to listen to and a 'share a story' option where children can listen and read along with a popular picture book and even turn the pages on-screen. The Book Finder facility makes searching for the perfect children's book by age and theme both easy and fun.
Rhymetimes
Bookstart promotes regular free rhymetime, baby bounce and story sessions, run by libraries and nurseries around the country. The events calendar and map search facility on the website make it easy to find what's available in your area.
All Aboard for National Bookstart Week
National Bookstart Week, an annual celebration of stories and rhymes, will be taking place between 6 and 12 June. This year's theme, 'All Aboard', focuses on transport and travel. Check out the events calendar on the website, ask at the library, or have a go at planning and delivering an event of your own. Bookstart's big blue bear mascot is usually present at selected events and is always a very welcome visitor.
Viv Hampshire is library outreach worker for Barra Hall Children's Centre, Middlesex.
MORE INFORMATION
- - Bookstart, www.bookstart.org.uk
- - Booktrust, www.booktrustchildrensbooks.org.uk