Time for a bedtime story (Sure Start Bookstart Reading Scheme)

Member Name: wisemind

Product:	Sure Start Bookstart Reading Scheme
Date:	21/06/09 (123 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great books and information

Disadvantages: None

Bookstart is a government scheme which aims to ensure that each baby and child is given books to read.

There are three packs

The first was bought by my health visitor when my sons when he was given his eight month check. It came in a canvass bag and contained a couple of books. My son's favourite was this little baby which has black and white photo's and babies doing different activities with the final page a mirror and the words "this is the baby that I love best." It also contained a laminated placemat which I used as a poster on his bedroom wall, information on surestart and how to join the library and advice on helping your children learning to enjoy books.

These second I collected from the library after reading mom2harry's review as I didn't even realise there were more available. I just had to sign a form to say I had collected it but when the nursery nurse came out to do his 2 year check she also bought a pack not knowing I had one which obviously she took away again. This pack comes in brightly coloured carry satchel type pack and contains two books which my son had a copy of The Zoo flap book a paper book called I am not cute which he loves. It contains a pad of paper for scribbling on with a packet of chunky crayons. It has a chart with large numbers on and suggested reading ideas for my son. It also has a £1 voucher off a book with stores that do accept them which I haven't tried to use yet. It also has another advice booklet.

There is also a Bookstart treasure chest for children aged three to four years which I haven't yet received as my son is only two. The chest has secret compartments and contains two books, a children's activity book a further scribble pad and crayons.

If you don't receive your packs then you can speak to health visitor, contact your local library or contact Bookstart directly.

I am very happy with this scheme and while some people think we shouldn't be buying books for all parents I am personally shocked how many children leave school unable to read. I think that in this day of computer games occupying children's spare time that it is important to start a children's love of books from an early age. I personally do buy loads of books for my son to read but not all parents do. My son will now pick the books he wants me to read and just having books around is essential to start the process of learning. It is useful to have information on books that he may love. I use the satchel so my son can carry his books to the library and then home again. It is also useful for taking out a few crayons paper and books when we are going somewhere he is likely to be bored. I hope from the starting point that parents would at least join the library and progress further but if not it is a starting point.

You may still have reservations about why give this pack to everyone but my personal opinion is why should the parents who are trying to encourage there children to read miss out. My son loves getting mew books and sure he will be delighted with his next pack

Bookstart also has a website www.bookstart.org.uk which contains information, competitions and games


A positive scheme that encourages the beginnings of education.

Summary: A positive scheme