Read, Write, Count

28 Dec 2015 10:34 AM

Libraries join the campaign to support young learning.

Efforts to support the use of reading, writing and counting in everyday activities among families of P1-3 children are being rolled into Scotland’s libraries.

Supported by £198,000 funding from Scottish Government, the new phase of activity marks the next phase of the Scottish Government’s Read, Write, Count campaign.

On National Libraries Day (February 6), 300 libraries around Scotland will be allocated a share of £90,000 to pay for new book stock and supplement existing displays.

A further £108,000 will be invested to provide Read, Write, Count book packs and stands. A pack will also be issued to every library in Scotland, containing stickers, posters and other resources, with eye-catching book stands being provided to libraries in some of Scotland’s most deprived areas.

Since its launch in August this year, the Read, Write, Count campaign has already seen books and literacy and numeracy learning materials gifted to P1 pupils through their school, with P2 and P3 pupils set to receive packs of their own in 2016.

The campaign, which is being delivered in partnership with Education Scotland and the Scottish Book Trust, builds on existing Scottish Government efforts to tackle educational inequalities and raise attainment in early years and beyond.

Angela Constance, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said:

“Read, Write, Count has already got off to a good start this year and the Scottish Government is proud to continue our support into 2016 and take the important work of this campaign into libraries.

“Libraries don’t just provide access to reading material, but play a crucial role in empowering communities. Libraries also have a key role to play in supporting children’s literacy, and in supporting our ambition to raise attainment and close the gap in attainment.

“Ensuring children read, write and count well early is key to their success at school and in life, and it’s never too early to start. Family learning supports the fantastic job that parents, schools and voluntary organisations are doing right across Scotland.

“Check out the Read, Write, Count website for ideas on how to get involved.”

Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust, said:

"Libraries are essential in supporting literacy development in the community and play a central role in the delivery of a number of Scottish Book Trust programmes such as Bookbug and Book Week Scotland. We are delighted to see work in libraries included as a key part of the Read, Write, Count programme and we are committed to supporting it."

"Libraries provide a free and accessible space for everyone to enjoy - they promote learning and education through the provision of information, and are fun places for young people, where reading for pleasure opens up a whole world of imagination. This makes libraries ideal places to support parents and carers who want to encourage their children to learn out of school.

Gordon Hunt, Chair of the Scottish Library and Information Council, said:

"Libraries provide a free and accessible space for everyone to enjoy - they promote learning and education through the provision of information, and are fun places for young people, where reading for pleasure opens up a whole world of imagination. This makes libraries ideal places to support parents and carers who want to encourage their children to learn out of school.

"We welcome today's announcement because the additional Read, Write, Count resources will add a fun dimension to libraries’ work in this area. It will provide more opportunities for families, particularly those who live in our most disadvantaged communities, to get involved in reading through their local library."

Notes To Editors

For more information and resources on Read, Write, Count, visit www.readwritecount.scot.

Read, Write, Count was announced as part of the First Minister’s Programme for Government in November last year:

http://news.scotland.gov.uk/Speeches-Briefings/First-Minister-Programme-for-Government-12b1.aspx

Contact Information

SG Communications

SGCommunications@scot.gov.uk

Ross Clark

ross.clark2@scot.gov.uk