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35% of schools change children's books once a week or less

Monday 3rd March 2014

In the run up to World Book Day, research carried out by Reading Chest this week has shown that there is inconsistency across the UK in the frequency with which children’s reading books are being changed in schools.

A survey carried out with our members, who are all parents of primary aged children, to find out whether children were being given enough books to facilitate the ten minutes of reading per day* which is recommended in order to boost children’s educational attainment.

The results of a survey, in which over 400 families took part, showed that 57% of children are having their reading books changed twice a week or less. In addition, the survey showed that 35% of children only had their reading books changed once a week or less.

As we approach World Book Day 2014, we all know the importance of reading at home with our children daily in order to help develop their reading skills. However, our research has shown that in the majority of cases, parents don’t have easy access to either the quantity or variety of books needed to reach that goal and have to look for other sources of books to supplement those lent out by schools. The worry is that if parents are unable to provide the necessary reading support at home, then children’s reading ability will not grow at the expected rate to reach national targets.

Liz Walker
Former primary school teacher & founder of Reading Chest.

*Source: Oxford University Press’ Books Beyond Bedtime report, published September 2013