Oral Question·Department for Education
“What steps she is taking to increase the number of children and young people who read for pleasure.”
Tabled: 4 March 2025Answered: 10 March 2025
Asked by
Tulip Siddiq
Labour — Hampstead and Highgate
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for Education
Answer from Hansard
The Minister for School Standards (Catherine McKinnell)
High and rising school standards, and excellent foundations in reading, writing and maths, are a key part of our plan for change, which aims to ensure that every child gets the best start in life. Reading for pleasure is hugely important. Last month, Labour announced £2 million of investment in driving high and rising standards by embedding the success of phonics and ensuring that children and teachers develop reading skills. That includes children reading for pleasure.