This report by the National Literacy Trust sheds light on notable shifts in children's reading habits and enthusiasm in 2023. It includes the observation that children who receive free school meals (FSMs) report lower levels of reading enjoyment compared to those who do not rely on this assistance.
Furthermore, the report notes that children who depend on FSMs are reading less frequently compared to their peers who do not require this support.
The report also reveals that less than 3 in 10 (28.0%) children and young people aged 8 to 18 read daily in 2023, a statistic consistent with the previous year. The decline in time spent reading now will have negative consequences for children’s future learning and life-chances, says the report.
Another finding of note is that only 19.9% of children had read with their family. One-on-one reading time with an adult is a vital factor in fostering reading and just ten minutes of reading a day can help to boost a child’s love of reading.
Key Findings: