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Written question asked by Lord Bird (Crossbench) on Tuesday, 3 September 2019, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 September 2019. It was answered by Lord Agnew of Oulton (Conservative) on Monday, 9 September 2019 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Children: Reading

Question

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, and if so how, they intend to adopt any of the children’s reading rights recommendations by the Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell, as part of their policy on developing literacy among schoolchildren.

Original answer

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

The answer was corrected by Lord Agnew of Oulton (Conservative)

on Monday, 7 October 2019 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Corrected answer

It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.

In August 2019, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister announced a £14 billion increase in investment for schools across England over the next three years. The department welcomes the Children’s Laureate’s commitment to these issues and publication of her ‘reading rights’, which aligns with the government’s commitment to raising literacy standards.

The National Curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils develop the habit of reading widely and often, becoming independent, fluent and enthusiastic readers who read for pleasure and for information. Reading aloud is a part of this, and teachers are encouraged to read poetry, stories and non-fiction to younger pupils, as well as longer books to older pupils. The National Curriculum also contains guidance for teachers setting out that pupils should have opportunities to exercise choice in selecting books.

It is for individual schools to decide whether to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils. Many head teachers recognise the important role school libraries play in improving literacy and encouraging pupils to read for pleasure and ensure that suitable library facilities are provided.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL17579
Session
2017-19
Related items
Lord Speaker’s Statement
Wednesday, 25 September 2019
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Lords
Notes
Supreme Court ruling of 24 September that Parliament was not prorogued on 9 September.
Subjects
Children Reading
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk