Audiobooks

(asked on 24th March 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the (a) contribution of audiobooks in engaging reluctant and underrepresented readers and (b) potential role of audiobooks in (i) improving reading behaviours and (ii) supporting the Government's levelling up agenda.


Answered by
Robin Walker Portrait
Robin Walker
This question was answered on 1st April 2022

The department wants children to develop the habit of reading widely and often, both for pleasure and information. Research suggests that reading for pleasure is more important for children’s educational development than their parents’ level of education. The national curriculum states that teachers are expected to encourage pupils to develop the habit of reading widely. It emphasises the importance of pupils listening to, discussing, and reading a wide range of stories, poems, plays and information books for themselves as their fluency increases.

The department has not undertaken research on the specific contribution or role of audiobooks. However, we welcome their use alongside other formats of books.

On 28 March 2022, we published our Schools White Paper, available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/opportunity-for-all-strong-schools-with-great-teachers-for-your-child. This sets out our long-term vision for a school system that helps every child to fulfil their potential, by ensuring that they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time. At its heart is the government’s levelling up mission that by 2030, 90% of children will leave primary school having achieved the expected standard in reading, writing and maths. As part of this, the department is committed to continuing to raise literacy standards, ensuring all children can read fluently and with understanding.

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