This study by Coram Beanstalk in partnership with Mumsnet has found that nearly half a million children begin secondary school without the advantage of being regular readers.
The survey looks at differences across household income and family status and finds that children from low-income households are less likely to read regularly by choice (64%) than those from higher income households (76%), and significantly less likely to read by choice every day (29% vs 43%).
Children from single parent homes are three times more likely to never choose to read than children in two parent homes (27% vs 9%) and are less likely to read regularly without parental encouragement (44% vs 78%).
The survey found that both low-income households and those with a single status believe in the importance of choosing to read just as much as other groups, however both groups are more likely to lack confidence in encouraging their children to choose to read than their peers.
For children that are not reading regularly, the main reasons given by parents were lack of interest or motivation, or external distractions. Many parents also commented that reading can feel too much like schoolwork, or a chore which can put children off.