Government announces up to £15 million to bring the joy of reading to 300,000 more young children
The UK government will invest up to £15 million to provide books to 300,000 pre-school children in England, aiming to foster early literacy and school readiness.
The Budget includes up to £15 million to fund a new programme distributing books to up to 300,000 children across England before they start school. The initiative targets pre-schoolers to build confidence, communication skills, and a lasting enthusiasm for reading. It also aims to ease financial pressures on families by providing free books. Early access to books is intended to prepare children for school and support their development.
Around 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs are being rolled out nationwide, partnering with the National Literacy Trust and BookTrust to promote shared reading at home. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has allocated £12.5 million from dormant assets funding to ensure every primary school in England has a library by the end of this Parliament. An additional £5 million will support secondary schools in purchasing books to encourage reading for enjoyment.
The government highlights the transformative impact of books on children’s learning, imagination, and creativity. It frames reading as a foundational activity that strengthens family bonds and supports early language development. The announcement builds on existing programmes like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library UK and BookTrust, which have already delivered millions of free books to young children.
Funding will be administered by Arts Council England, with further programme details to be published later. The investment aligns with broader government efforts to support disadvantaged young people through cultural activities, music initiatives, and creative mentoring, alongside careers education and traineeships.