First Minister visited Wardie Primary School
in Edinburgh to mark Book Week Scotland. He gave pupils in
primaries two and three gift bags from the Read Write Count with
the First Minister programme before joining them so he could hear
about their new books, storytelling cards and numeracy games.
His visit also coincided with World Children's Day. Later, he
will welcome Save the Children and parents to Bute House to talk
about the challenges facing families on low incomes. The annual
Cabinet meeting with Children and Young People took place
yesterday (Tuesday), giving ministers the chance to hear directly
about the issues affecting young people in Scotland.
The First Minister said:
“As my Government works to eradicate child poverty, I wanted to
make clear my personal commitment to encouraging reading,
literacy and numeracy among children and young people.
“The most recent figures show literacy levels in primary schools
have reached a record high – and that the attainment gap in
literacy between primary pupils from the most and least deprived
areas is at a record low.
“But we are determined to drive further improvements and that is
why programmes like Read Write Count with the First Minister are
so valuable. With thanks to our partners in the Scottish Book
Trust, it helps children and young people by making learning a
fun family activity.
“Book Week Scotland is the perfect time to acknowledge the hugely
positive benefits of reading for pleasure on wellbeing and
attainment. I am convinced that developing an early love of
reading can help us throughout our lives.
“The theme this year is hope and I believe it is well chosen,
because reading inspires children and young people to imagine how
things might be not only different, but better. I want every
child in Scotland, no matter their circumstances, to be filled
with hope for a better future.”
CEO of Scottish Book Trust Marc Lambert said:
“Gifting Read Write Count bags to every P2 and P3 pupil in
schools across Scotland is one of Scottish Book Trust's yearly
highlights. For many children, the books they receive through the
Bookbug and Read Write Count gifting programmes are the only
books they have at home.
“We know access to books makes a big impact on children's lives,
with research showing it can boost attainment across the
curriculum, as well as improving wellbeing, empathy and future
opportunities. We thank the First Minister for joining us at
Wardie Primary as the pupils and families were gifted their
bags.”
Background
Book Week Scotland runs from
Monday 18 to Sunday 24 November.
Since August 2015, the Scottish Government has provided almost £9
million to Read Write Count with the First
Minister. The Scottish Book Trust received £932,075 in grant
funding for financial year 2024 and 2025 to deliver the
programme. Around 248,000 books will be given to pupils in
primary two and three this year.
By giving families ideas to support learning and material to
include fun reading, writing and counting activities in their
everyday lives, the programme is a key part of the Scottish
Government's commitment to raising attainment.
