Children’s Laureate Urges Focus on Reading for Pleasure

In a powerful message to MPs, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the current Children's Laureate, has advocated for a paradigm shift in how we approach children's reading. He believes that the focus should be on fostering a love for reading rather than solely on academic achievement.

Cottrell-Boyce's comments come amidst a concerning trend in the UK, where the number of children reading for pleasure has significantly decreased. The National Literacy Trust's survey reveals a startling 36% drop since 2005, with only one-third of children aged 8-18 now enjoying reading in their leisure time.

The laureate attributes this decline to various factors, including the allure of screens, austerity measures, the impact of Covid, and poverty. He particularly highlights 'furniture poverty' as a significant barrier, emphasizing that a lack of basic amenities can hinder the simple joy of a bedtime story.

He proposes a solution that begins at the grassroots level, focusing on early years and reading for pleasure at home and in nurseries. This approach involves supporting parents and nursery workers who may struggle with reading aloud due to their own negative experiences.

Cottrell-Boyce also draws attention to the low pay and young age of early years workers, many of whom have had their education disrupted by the pandemic. He suggests that building parental confidence and promoting shared reading in community settings are key to fostering a love of reading.

The laureate's optimism shines through as he believes this issue can be addressed without significant financial investment, utilizing existing infrastructure. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing pleasure in reading, drawing a parallel with how parents encourage their children to play sports for enjoyment before focusing on the rules.

Rebecca Sinclair, President of the Publishers Association, echoed similar sentiments, calling for a shift in the narrative around reading to make it more accessible and enjoyable.