Summary
Wales will stop providing free baby books through a government-funded scheme, becoming the only UK nation to do so. The decision affects the Bookstart programme, which has distributed free books to babies and toddlers for 25 years. The Welsh government plans to work on new ways to support early years literacy without replicating the current model.
Key Facts
- Wales will end its participation in the Bookstart programme, which offers free books to newborns.
- Bookstart is run by BookTrust across the UK, and it offers two free book packs in Wales, one at 6 months and another at 27 months.
- Families have received these book packs through health visitors for over 25 years.
- The decision to stop direct funding is effective as of March 2026.
- The Welsh government’s educational resources body, Adnodd, will now oversee early years literacy programmes.
- Adnodd plans to find new methods to provide literacy materials without duplicating the current scheme.
- Concerns have been raised about the impact on families, particularly those living in poverty.
- The Bookstart programme aims to promote reading, family bonding, and skill development in young children.
