Solihull’s top of the tots!
From Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, Cllr Ken Meeson on 26 August 2008
Babies love books – and nowhere more than in Solihull, where the take-up of Bookstart packs is once again well above the rest of England.
Bookstart is a national programme that is based on the belief that every child should have the opportunity to enjoy sharing a book from as early an age as possible. It is about quality time spent between a parent and care with a child, listening to stories. And although it is about pleasure, not about learning to read, the programme has been proven to have a positive effect on learning.
Packs containing books are given out at nine months, 18-30 months and three years old.
Two new packs for children with visual and hearing impairments have been introduced and dual language books are also available.
In Solihull there was a 98% take up at the nine month stage, compared to 92% in the rest of England.
At 18-30 months, the Solihull take-up was 90%, compared to 89% for England.
And at three- years- old, there was a 100% take-up, compared to 96% for England.
Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Young People, Cllr Ken Meeson, said: "It is so important that children grow up with a love of books, and the pleasure that sitting and sharing a book with someone can bring. Even the youngest of children experience delight from seeing pictures and being told a story – even if it is just hearing the sound of their parent’s voice as they read to them. This is a marvellous scheme, with proven results, and I am pleased it is proving such a success in our borough."
For more information about the Bookstart scheme call 0121 704 6984 or visit: www.solihull.gov.uk/libraries/bookstart.htm
For press and media enquiries only: Angharad Lynch 0121 704 6164
Email: alynch@solihull.gov.uk