APPG for education calls for school library support

Released 21/02/2012

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Education’s inquiry into literacy standards has received a positive response from the Government and education stakeholders including the National Union of Teachers

The APPG for education is calling for more support for school libraries to help improve literacy

Supported by the British Educational Suppliers Association (BESA), the APPG for education published its report on Overcoming the Barriers to Literacy in July 2011. The report was based on evidence from 584 teachers and educational stakeholders including the teachers’ unions, literacy associations, publishers and outreach organisations. The APPG has today published its summary of responses to the inquiry.

In its inquiry report, the APPG raised concerns over the Government's lack of support for school libraries and the impact this had on child literacy.

In response, the DfE stated that it recognised the positive contribution to literacy standards of good libraries. On 13 February the Arts Council England and the Local Government Association (LGA) awarded £230,000 to fund 13 library projects designed to test new approaches to library service delivery. However, DfE stopped short of promising future funding by adding that it preferred schools to make their own choices about book resourcing and library provision.

Fabian Hamilton MP, Chairman of the APPG for Education, commented, “Community libraries are vital resources for improving literacy, developing aspirations and involving parents in their children’s education. Every school should have a library with trained teachers on hand to guide pupils – I hope the Department for Education will actively support schools and parents to make sure this happens.”

The APPG also received support from several stakeholders who agreed that encouraging the enjoyment of reading was the most important challenge for teachers, as well as calls for the Government to promote speaking and listening as an integral part of literacy.

The DfE acknowledged the importance of the early years, and also emphasised the priority that would now be placed on literacy and numeracy in Ofsted inspections, which would aid accountability as well as support the transition from Key State 2 to 3.

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Comments

Bev Humphrey

2012-02-21 19:30:33

I'm hoping that that's a misquote from Mr Hamilton - trained 'teachers' needed in libraries? What about the trained librarians that are vital and do a fantastic job of encouraging the joy of reading already! They are without a doubt the right people to guide students and help them with book choices, we need an expectation that every school has a librarian.

Tracy Hager

2012-02-21 20:02:57

I wholeheartedly agree with Bev Humphrey. In the US, nearly every single primary school has a librarian. In the UK most children have to wait until secondary school to meet a school librarian. As a librarian in a public library I can attest to the vital role that school librarians play in their students' lives. Parents and young people talk about their school librarians and when they do come into a public library, many of them know what help to ask for because they understand information literacy from their school librarians. I'm getting really fed up with the ignorance of those in power!

Ishak

2012-03-16 05:23:23

Hi. I no longer work at a pilubc library but with ESC/Joblink Services. and I am also a certified teacher in grades K6 and 9-12 in US History. I am very concerned about students not only not able to read bbut to comprehend just what they are reading as far as history and filling out job applications goes. I am seeing up close and personal the problems that this has led to among young adults and older people returning to school or entering school for the irst time in many years. I would love to serve on a team or at least be considered. Thanks so much. Jane Steele,MA

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