Will Wales Be the First UK Nation to Cut Free Baby Book Program?

The Welsh government's decision to end funding for the Bookstart programme, which has provided free books to newborns for 25 years, has raised serious concerns about early years literacy support for families in Wales. This decision, described as "heartbreaking" by BookTrust Cymru's director, Sioned Jones, risks leaving the most disadvantaged families without essential resources for reading development, potentially impacting children's literacy and bonding experiences.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Welsh government has recently announced the cessation of direct funding for the Bookstart programme, which has been instrumental in providing free bilingual books and resources to new parents across Wales. This decision has sparked significant concern among educators and parents alike, as it comes at a time when literacy levels among Welsh pupils are under scrutiny. The responsibility for early years literacy programmes has now been transferred to Adnodd, the educational resources body, which aims to ensure continuity in the provision of literacy materials.

Key takeaways

• The Welsh government is discontinuing funding for the Bookstart programme, a key resource for new parents since 1998.
• BookTrust Cymru expresses concerns that this decision will disproportionately affect families living in poverty.
• The new responsibility for early years literacy programmes lies with Adnodd, which is tasked with ensuring no gaps in service.

Timeline: how we got here

The decision to stop funding the Bookstart programme marks a significant change in early years literacy support in Wales. Key dates include:

• 1998: Launch of the Bookstart programme in Wales, providing free books to newborns.
• March 2026: End date for current grant funding from Adnodd for the Bookstart programme.
• October 2023: Announcement of the decision to end direct funding, prompting reactions from parents and educators.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The immediate news is the Welsh government’s decision to cease funding for the Bookstart programme, which has raised alarms about the future of early years literacy support in Wales. Adnodd is now responsible for assessing how literacy materials will be provided, pledging to work with stakeholders to prevent gaps in service.

What was already established

Previously, the Bookstart programme distributed free bilingual packs to families, aiding in early literacy and parent-child bonding. The programme's impact has been documented in various studies, highlighting its importance in developing reading skills and fostering attachment between parents and children.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The cessation of funding for the Bookstart programme is likely to impact many families, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who rely on such resources. Parents have reported that the books provided help establish strong bonds with their children and contribute to their early development, including language skills and cognitive abilities.

Businesses and jobs

The decision could affect businesses that supply educational materials and resources for early childhood development. The reduction in government funding may lead to a decrease in demand for literacy-related products and services, impacting jobs within this sector.

Policy and regulation

The Welsh government has indicated that Adnodd will oversee the development of future early years literacy initiatives through a competitive commissioning process. This approach raises questions about the effectiveness of potential new programmes compared to the established Bookstart model.

Numbers that matter

• 25 years: The duration of the Bookstart programme, providing free books since 1998.
• £370,000: Annual cost of additional targeted elements of the Bookstart programme, which support families beyond just book distribution.
• Two: The number of free bilingual packs provided to families in Wales, typically at six months and 27 months of age.
• Thousands: The number of parents in Wales who receive the Bookstart Baby pack each year.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Bookstart: A programme run by BookTrust that provides free books to families with newborns and toddlers to promote early literacy.
• Adnodd: The educational resources body in Wales responsible for overseeing early years literacy programmes.
• Bilingual: The use of two languages, in this context referring to the availability of books in both Welsh and English.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, parents should stay informed about any announcements from Adnodd regarding the transition of early years literacy programmes. Engaging with local health visitors and community resources will be critical to ensure continuity in access to reading materials.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the commissioning process for future literacy programmes unfolds, stakeholders, including parents and educators, should advocate for the inclusion of proven models like Bookstart to ensure that quality resources remain available for young families.

Signals to watch

• Updates from Adnodd regarding the future of early years literacy programmes and any new initiatives that may arise.
• Feedback from parents and educators on the effectiveness of any new resources introduced post-Bookstart.
• Research studies assessing the impact of the funding changes on literacy outcomes in Wales.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with local health services to stay updated on available literacy resources.
• Participate in community initiatives that promote reading and early literacy.
• Advocate for the importance of early reading programmes with local representatives.

Don’t

• Assume that new programmes will automatically be as effective as Bookstart.
• Neglect the importance of reading to children, even in the absence of formal programmes.
• Ignore the needs of vulnerable families who may struggle to access reading materials.

Checklist

• Check in with your local health visitor about what resources are currently available.
• Explore community libraries for free reading materials for young children.
• Join parent groups focused on early literacy to share resources and strategies.
• Monitor updates from Adnodd regarding new literacy programmes.
• Consider volunteer opportunities to support literacy initiatives in your area.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Adnodd has assured that there will be no gap in provision, the transition away from the established Bookstart model raises concerns about the effectiveness of new initiatives. Parents and educators are wary that the new programmes may not replicate the successful elements of Bookstart, particularly for families who rely on such resources for early literacy development. Furthermore, the impact on children living in poverty needs careful monitoring to ensure that these vulnerable groups do not fall further behind.

Bottom line

The decision to stop funding the Bookstart programme represents a significant shift in early childhood literacy support in Wales. As families navigate this transition, it is crucial to advocate for effective literacy resources and remain engaged with community initiatives to ensure that all children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, continue to receive the support they need for reading development.

FAQs

What is the Bookstart programme?

The Bookstart programme is a UK initiative that provides free bilingual books to parents of newborns and toddlers to promote early literacy and parent-child bonding.

Why has funding for Bookstart been stopped?

The Welsh government has decided to end direct funding for Bookstart, transferring responsibility to Adnodd, which is tasked with developing future early years literacy programmes.

What will happen to families who rely on Bookstart resources?

While Adnodd assures there will be no gap in provision, there are concerns about how effectively new programmes will meet the needs of families, particularly those in poverty.