What is Bookstart?
About BookTrust and Bookstart
Bookstart is run by BookTrust, the UK's largest children's reading charity, reaching children who are 0 to 4 years old.
Why is reading for pleasure important?
Research shows that reading for pleasure has a huge impact on your child’s development, their well-being and their educational outcomes.
How Bookstart works
In Birmingham, your child will get their free Bookstart resources from your health visitor – as a baby; and from nursery – as a toddler. We also work with children’s centres, childcare workers and home educators. Guidance is given about the benefits of sharing books and encouraging the reading habit.
Who is Bookstart for?
- Bookstart is for children aged 0 to 5 years. Every child is entitled to a free:Baby Pack - at the new birth visit, 12 to 14 weeks by your health visitor
- Treasure Pack - at ages 3 to 4 years by your nursery, childminder or home educator.
Your child can also have a dual language picture book if English isn’t your first language, which goes into your Treasure Pack.
There are also packs if your child has a:
- Visual Impairment - Booktouch
- Hearing Impairment - Bookshine
- Fine motor skills development need - Bookstart Star