Free books scheme extended to P2 and P3

A scheme to give free books to primary one pupils in Scotland is being extended for a further two years.

The Scottish Book Trust, which delivers the P1 ‘Bookbug’ scheme, is to provide ‘Read, Write, Count’ packs to pupils in primary one and two this year.

The aim is to encourage children to engage in reading and numbers at home outwith formal homework, with the encouragement of parents.

The pack includes activities which bring literacy and numeracy into everyday family activities like shopping.

An estimated 128,000 packs in English, and another 1,600 in Gaelic, will be delivered to children in the age group in the run up to Book Week Scotland, which runs 21 – 27 November.

For the first year, Save the Children will also deliver engagement sessions in more deprived areas to support parents to use the materials.

The packs were launched by Deputy First Minister John Swinney at an Edinburgh primary school.

He said the campaign was about more than attainment.

“We know there is a direct link between strong family learning environments and progress in reading, writing and counting which is why these packs are specifically designed to encourage family engagement and help parents and carers become more involved in their child’s learning journey.

“By forging a stronger connection between how our young people learn and play both at home and in school we hope to inspire a lifelong love of learning that will ensure every child in Scotland has the ability to reach their full potential.”

Marc Lambert, Chief Executive of Scottish Book Trust said: “Parents are the first, and most vital, teacher any child has. While schools in Scotland give children a great education, learning doesn’t start and stop at the school gates.

“Doing fun things with your children is one of the great things about being a parent - it makes you and your children happy and helps build stronger bonds.”