What is Bookstart?
Bookstart is built on a simple premise; babies who have an early introduction to books benefit in lots of ways, educationally, socially, culturally and emotionally.
Bookstart is administered by Booktrust, an independent Arts charity funded by the Arts Council England. Booktrust is the largest reading charity in the UK working to inspire a love of reading in children, because we know reading can transform lives.
Universal Bookstart Baby
This pack is given to babies by Health Visitors at their 6–8 week check which takes place at home. Please ask your health visitor if it is not offered. The pack contains:
- a brilliant book, specially selected to support healthy development in babies and is fun to read again and again
- a colourful finger puppet
- a helpful leaflet about how reading can change as a baby develops
Targeted Bookstart Toddler and Preschooler
Bookstart Toddler and Pre-schooler are book packs designed to help youyou’re your children have fun reading and share stories together. Bookstart Toddler packs are gifted by Health Visitors at your child’s 12-15 month developmental check. Bookstart Preschooler packs are gifted by Early Years Workers at your child’s 2 year funding appointment. These packs are not available to all families, please speak to your Health Visitor for more information.
Each pack contains two books, activities and games to bring the book to life and get young children interested in reading.
Bookstart Packs - for Children with Additional Needs
These packs can be ordered through your child’s health visitor or other health professional as well as their nursery, preschool or childminder and at your local library.
Bookstart Shine for children who are deaf or hearing impaired.
Bookstart Shine Baby (0–2 years old) and Bookstart Shine Toddler (3–5 years old). Each pack has a book and guidance around sharing books with deaf children.
Bookstart Touch - for Children Who Are Blind or Have a Vision Impairment
Bookstart Touch Baby (0–2 years old) and Bookstart Touch Toddler (3–5 years old). Each pack has a touch-and-feel book and guidance around sharing books with children with vision impairment.
Bookstart Star - for Children with Conditions Affecting Their Fine Motor Skills
This pack is available for children aged 3–5 who have disabilities that impact on or delay the development of their fine motor skills. Each pack includes a book, a finger puppet, and a guide to using your finger puppet and reading with children.
