Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps is she taking to ensure that all schools have access to high-quality books for children.

The Department believes that all pupils deserve to be taught a knowledge-rich curriculum that promotes the extensive reading of books and other kinds of texts, both in and out of school. School libraries complement public libraries in encouraging pupils to do this.

It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils, including whether to employ a qualified librarian. Many headteachers recognise the important role school libraries play in improving literacy, encouraging pupils to read for pleasure, and ensuring that suitable library facilities are provided.

The National Curriculum requires teachers to encourage pupils to develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information. It also emphasises the importance of listening to, discussing, and reading for themselves a wide range of stories, poems, plays and non-fiction books.

The Autumn Statement 2022 announced that funding for mainstream schools and high needs is £3.5 billion higher in the 2023/24 financial year, compared to the 2022/23 financial year. That is on top of the £4 billion, year-on-year increase provided in the 2022/23 financial year. This is an increase of £7.5 billion, or over 15%, in just two years. It is for headteachers to decide how best to manage their budgets, including funding resources such as library provision and reading books.