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National Literacy Trust hopeful that Brown will bring a renewed commitment to literacy
27 Jun 2007
The National Literacy Trust has today written to Gordon Brown to congratulate him on his new role as Prime Minister and to remind him of the urgent literacy priorities that he will need to address.
Under Gordon Brown’s chancellorship, the Treasury has shown an unprecedented support for books and reading. The high priority placed upon literacy in the 2006 pre-budget report indicates the thinking behind the medium-term spending allocation of the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review, as well as the priorities Brown will wish to address as Prime Minister.
Parental involvement, supporting boys’ achievement and raising aspirations are among his key concerns.
The National Literacy Trust is deeply encouraged by Brown’s clear personal interest in the benefits of literacy and reading, his determination to tackle child poverty and his commitment to improving the skills of the workforce. In July 2004, he announced funding to extend the Bookstart scheme, which enables universal provision of free books to every child on three occasions in their early years – potentially making a huge difference to children who would otherwise have no books of their own. Since then he has continued to build his literacy credentials.
However, universal book gifting activities need support if children are to make best use of the books they are given. Some of the initiatives announced by the Treasury have lacked the strategic depth that they could have had if they had been more closely tied in with initiatives to develop a reading culture in the schools, homes and communities where children and their families could most benefit. These targeted approaches are vital if every child is to benefit from universal offers.
Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas comments:
“With Gordon Brown’s commitment to literacy and reading evident, we can hope that he will now put in place the measures that will help make every home a reading home, and every child a reader. Gordon Brown has announced that one of his first priorities will be the health service; as the most universal of all public services, it is vital that practitioners such as health visitors, who have contact with children at the very beginning of their lives, are able to help parents put in place the foundations of language and literacy that will enable all children to fulfil their potential.”
www.literacytrust.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The National Literacy Trust has produced a full analysis of Gordon Brown’s track record on literacy which is available at www.literacytrust.org.uk.
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. www.literacytrust.org.uk
