Extend National Year of Reading to a Decade, Urges Education Committee

The Education Committee has concluded its inquiry into reading for pleasure by recommending that the government extend the National Year of Reading to a full National Decade of Reading. This ambitious proposal seeks to embed a lasting cultural commitment to literacy across childhood, moving beyond a single-year focus to create sustained change in how reading is valued and promoted. Central to the recommendations is a proposed National Reading Guarantee, which would ensure all children have regular opportunities to enjoy reading regardless of background or circumstance. For Lead Members and local authorities, these proposals signal significant potential shifts in national education policy, with implications for how schools, libraries and children's services collaborate to improve literacy outcomes and close attainment gaps.