We need to ensure children excel at literacy - Alexander Stafford MP

Whilst there is no denying the benefits for which the accessibility of online resources has upon our current education and society - for primary school children, especially those who grow up in deprived areas, it is far more challenging to source reading materials online or even gain access to physical libraries. It seems peculiar that at the crucial age for children to learn to read, they simply do not always have the resources to aid this, despite the clear correlation between access to school libraries and higher literacy scores. The availability of libraries has been proven to encourage children to read, but also serves to further improve literacy skills, with 73 per cent of pupils having access to a library attaining higher literacy scores than those who do not. Hence, it is perplexing that not every primary school child in the UK has access to books and school libraries, when it has been proven fundamental to children’s reading and writing growth.

On a personal level, just like the best books, a library is a wonderful form of escapism.

Upon my conversation with Cressida Cowell, I’ve canvassed many schools across Rother Valley over the past couple of months to assess their reading facilities. I was delighted with the level of engagement - it was encouraging and confirmed to me that, with the right support, schools are receptive to prioritising reading. On top of this, I have since delivered a Westminster Hall debate, entitled ‘Improving children’s literacy in disadvantaged areas’ with the hope to raise the political profile and awareness to ensure that every primary school throughout the UK has a library.

There is a real need to focus on how primary school libraries help improve children’s literacy in disadvantaged areas. They are indisputably a vital part of the education system.

Numerous studies have shown the clear correlation between having a good school library and not only academic achievement and literacy performance, but a child’s attitude to learning as a whole. Ultimately, improving children’s literacy clearly relies on the availability of school libraries and access to books. Sadly, the reality is that availability and access to books for children relies on the Government introducing a statutory requirement for all primary schools to possess a school library.

My strong belief in prioritising children’s literacy prompted me to meet the National Literacy Trust, Penguin and World Book Day. I was incredibly pleased to learn of the invaluable work they do to raise awareness not only of the significant role libraries play in helping children reach their full potential, but of the benefits that reading for pleasure can bring. In particular, the alliance between the National Literacy Trust and Penguin Random House, in the Primary School Library Alliance, is exhibiting incredible work through transforming library spaces in order to change the narrative where one in seven primary schools in England do not have a library. As of 2022, the alliance has worked with more than 330 schools, and its mission is to help transform 1,000 primary school libraries by 2025 by giving them the books, training and support they require to make that possible. This is an incredible initiative and is truly leading the way in showing the power that a school library can have on a child’s development and literacy attainment.

The annual World Book Day marks an incredible time where every single child throughout the UK can choose a book for free with their £1/€1.50 book token. This witnesses 15 million book tokens being distributed each year, with an impressive 90 per cent of schools participating throughout the UK - a prime example of engaging children in reading for pleasure, and beyond the classroom.

‘We must do more to help every child fulfil their potential’ was a pledge made by the Schools White Paper; I firmly believe the introduction of this statutory requirement for all primary schools will be a force for change to make this truly possible, in order to not only improve the quality of a child’s access to books but to improve the rest of their lives.

Children are the future generation; thus, it is crucial that we are ensuring they are provided with the adequate resources to fully excel in order to change the narrative of 100,000 children leaving school not being able to read.

- Alexander Stafford is Conservative MP for the Rother Valley.