Free books for every baby and toddler in Hull

Diana Johnson MP has revealed that Labour's support of the Bookstart scheme will see every baby and young child in Hull North receive free books.

The Bookstart scheme will provide every one to two year old in Hull North with a satchel with books inside while every three to four year old will receive a 'treasure chest' a box that includes books and crayons. Currently every baby aged up to 12 months already receives a free bag of baby books and this will continue under the expanded scheme.

Diana Johnson Labour's MP for Hull North said:

""Bookstart is a great scheme that will benefit babies and children in Hull North. Giving books to babies and small children helps them to learn, become more confident, and develop faster. This scheme will see an estimated 3,000 babies plus every toddler and 3 to 4 year old in the Hull local authority area receive free books and other educational items.

"My Labour colleagues and I are committed to giving every child the best start in life regardless of their background. Bookstart will help more children in Hull North develop their reading and communication skills. It will hopefully develop a love of reading that will stay with the children for life. I'm hoping that Labour's support of Bookstart will make a difference to the lives of thousands of local children."

Education Secretary Ruth Kelly said:
"I am delighted to announce the expansion of Bookstart which means that every baby and young child will benefit by receiving a free set of books."
"All children deserve the best start in life and we know that supporting early learning is central to ensuring that. The Bookstart programme is a real boost to every baby and toddler in the country."

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