Bookstart Scheme

Communication Channels

"Bookstart represents so much of what the Government through its Every Child Matters programme, is trying to achieve for children. It brings together resources from the private, voluntary and public sectors to ensure that all young children have access to books. And in doing so, provides the best encouragement to parents to read to and with their children. We know that children whose parents read to them, take them to the library, sing songs, and count with them get the best start in life. Bookstart greatly improves the chances that all children will get that boost early in life."

by Naomi Eisenstadt (ex-SSESFD Director)

Channels for local partners involved in delivering the Bookstart programme.

These will include:

Children’s centres
Sure Start local programmes
Early years setting
Health Clinics

Local Co-ordination

Every Bookstart scheme has a Bookstart Co-ordinator

These are the first point of contact for local partners
If you do not know your co-ordinator’s contact details please contact Biatra@booktrust.org.uk or Tel. 020 8516 2995 and give the name of your local authority
Co-ordinators communicate with the local partners, the Bookstart Scheme Liaison Officers and with the Bookstart Team in London.
They order, accept delivery and arrange onward distribution of Bookstart packs to gifting locations. (Locations cannot order free packs except via the co-ordinator)

Each Bookstart Scheme has a steering group

This is a local strategic and operational partnership which delivers the local programme.
All partners should be represented- talk to the Bookstart Co-ordinator if you need more information about your steering group.

Regional Support

Bookstart has appointed Scheme Liaison Officers to support local schemes, both individually, regional and nationally. (See attached list )
Bookstart SLOs hold twice yearly training and information sessions which are open to all partners. Bookstart co-ordinators will send out invitations to local partners or you could get in touch with the SLO directly to see when the next sessions are due
Scheme Liaison Officers are also in contact with other Regional agencies eg SSU Foundation Stage Officers, Museum, Libraries and Achieves Council officers and with PCT’s and Regional Health partners.
Please see the attached list to identify the SLO for your scheme or contact Biatra@booktrust.org.uk or Tel. 020 8516 2995 and give the name of your local authority

National Support

The Bookstart Team is based at Booktrust, Book House 45 East Hill London SW18 2QZ.
Bookstart works closely with the Sure Start, Extended Schools and Childcare Group, with a number of Government Departments, with working groups and with our sponsors.

The following flow chart will help you find the best communication route:

Bookstart Team Contact numbers and Email

For all general enquiries contact:
Biatra Christou
Tel: 020 8516 2995
Email: biatra@booktrust.org.uk

Bookstart Scheme Liaison Officers in England

Bookstart Scheme Liaison Officer	Covering Authorities in these Regions
Kay Devine Tel: 01227 792474 Mob: 07795 187090 kay.devine@elmwood.eclipse.co. uk	East of England South East of England
Natasha Baker Tel: 020 881 58315 Mob: 07917563464 natasha@bookstart.wanadoo.co.u k	London Boroughs
Steve Roberts Mob: 07796 384644 steveroberts_66@yahoo.co.uk	South West Midlands
Elaine Bielby Tel: 01522 804 584 Mob: 07717 758485 elaine.bielby@ntlworld.com	North East Yorkshire and Humberside East Midlands
Justine Hodgkinson Tel: 01706 844681 Mob: 07780 9903309 justinehodgkinson@dsl.pipex.co m	North West of England

In this section:

Bookstart Scheme
Booktouch