Bookstart

What is Bookstart?

Bookstart is a national programme that works through locally based organisations to give a free pack of books to babies with guidance materials for parents and carers.

It promotes a life-long love of books and is based on the principle that every child in the UK should enjoy and benefit from books from as early an age as possible.

Who is Bookstart for?

Bookstart is for every baby – that's its appeal. We want every baby in the UK to get a Bookstart pack: the programme currently reaches 90 per cent of babies in the UK.

Bookstart for babies 0-12 months

Bookstart provides a bag of baby books to every new baby born in the UK (separate funding arrangements are in place between Bookstart and the devolved nations).

The canvas bag contains:

• two baby books
• a nursery rhyme placemat
• a booklet setting out information and advice on sharing stories with young children
• a Sure Start leaflet
• a booklist and an invitation to join the local library.

In the vast majority of cases the bag is given to parents by their health visitor at the eight month health check.

Bookstart Plus 12-24 months

Bookstart provides a pack for the child, comprising: a satchel-style bag; two books; a scribble pad and crayons; a booklist for toddlers and a library invitation. The pack encourages language development, conversation and building relationships, as well as promoting the first steps towards writing ("mark-making").

My Bookstart Treasure Chest three to four years

'My Bookstart Treasure Chest' is designed to appeal particularly to young children, with 'hidden' compartments for small toys or books. It includes two books, a children’s activity book, and a scribble pad and coloured crayons to encourage early writing.

Booktouch is a key part of the national Bookstart programme, originated and administrated by the educational charity Booktrust. It is a Bookstart pack for blind and visually impaired children 0-4. The pack was designed by Booktrust with advice from RNIB and the charity CLEARVISION. The packs contain two touch & feel books some of which are in Braille. Click here for more information.

The packs are available free on request from Bookstart 020 8516 2995 and can be requested by Health Visitors, Visual Impairment Teachers, Bookstart Co -ordinators or parents themselves.

How will it benefit my children?

Sharing books with babies and toddlers is a wonderful way to increase language skills and helps children to understand their world.

The first five years are the best time for learning to talk and most of a child's language comes from the adults around them. Babies and toddlers who love books begin reading sooner and have a better chance at school.

What if my baby hasn't received a pack?

Any baby that did not receive a pack at their 7-9 month health check because there is no scheme operating in your area is eligible for a free pack from Booktrust. If your baby did not receive a pack first contact your local library to check whether there is a local scheme. If there is not a scheme operating in your area contact Booktrust directly.

For more information on Bookstart visit www.bookstart.co.uk.