New inquiry launched to explore reading for pleasure

The Education Committee has launched a new inquiry to understand how reading can be nurtured, and what its benefits are, amid a worrying decline in the number of children reading for pleasure.
 
A survey by the National Literacy Trust this year found that just one in three children aged eight to 18 read in their spare time (33%) – a 36% decrease from 2005. The survey indicated a particularly steep drop over the last year among primary school children, and that reading continues to be less popular among boys than girls. 
 
The full terms of reference for this inquiry and details of its call for evidence are included below. 
 
The cross-party Committee will look at the reasons behind this decline and what can be done to reverse it. It will examine the role of schools, early years settings and local libraries. 
 
The inquiry will see MPs question experts on the interaction between reading for pleasure and children and young people's mental health and wellbeing. 
 
The Committee will examine the relationship between reading and the increase in children and young people’s screen time, as well as the role of technologies such as Kindles and audiobooks. 
 
Another pillar of this inquiry will be how promoting reading could improve the attainment and development of disadvantaged children, and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  
 
MPs will also explore what the Government could do to improve the situation, through Best Start Family Support Hubs and forthcoming changes to the national curriculum. The inquiry will coincide with the National Year of Reading 2026, announced by the Secretary of State for Education and the National Literacy Trust, also backed by the Premier League. 
 
Education Committee Chair Helen Hayes MP said: “Reading for pleasure has long given both stimulation and sanctuary to children and adults across the globe, whilst also teaching wisdom and wit. It has been considered an essential building block of learning and understanding the world around us. But right now, we appear to be witnessing a generational shift. 
 
“The Education Committee wants to understand the forces at play and what the consequences could be for children’s lives. Crucially, we will look across the academic space, and at good practice in schools and communities, for solutions. We will hear from children themselves about how reading for pleasure can be nurtured for the benefit of their education, development, mental health and wellbeing. 
 
“At the end of this inquiry, we will make recommendations to the Government about the role it can play in helping schools, communities, parents and carers, to ensure the joy of reading endures for future generations.”