Lottery fund provides free books for early years
6 Nov 2007
Parents and young children in Glasgow benefit from lottery funding
Many parents and young children in Glasgow will be given the opportunity to enjoy sharing books together, thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund to support early years literacy. South Glasgow Childcare Partnership Forum has received £355,500 for the Bookstart project. The funding will provide for storytelling sessions at parent and toddler groups, playgroups and drop-in centres across the south of Glasgow. The aim of the Bookstart project is to encourage parents to read with their children at an early age. The grant will also provide free book packs to children on their birthday as well as ‘Going to School’ book packs.
Linda Muirhead, Bookstart Coordinator, said, ‘We are delighted to receive funding from the Big Lottery Fund, which will enable South Glasgow Bookstart to further develop the services if offers. As a result, more local families will be able to take part in fun activities which will promote early literacy and provide them with a safe, secure environment in which to meet and interact with one another. Staff will be able to use their extensive local knowledge to signpost families on to a wide range of other organisations including employability, health, education and social services.’
Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years, said, ‘We know that some of the most enjoyable and rewarding time parents and carers spend with their children is when they are reading together. Books can also help unlock a child’s creativity and boost their early development, so I’m delighted that this project will be able to expand its good work with the boost from the Big Lottery Fund.’
