Derbyshire Nurseries Lead National Reading Revival Amidst Literacy Crisis
While national statistics reveal children's love of reading has plummeted to a two-decade low, nurseries across Derbyshire are demonstrating that the enchantment of storytime remains very much alive. More than 450 children throughout Derbyshire's Busy Bees nurseries have enthusiastically embraced the 'Get the Reading Buzz' pledge—a comprehensive nationwide campaign spearheaded by the United Kingdom's foremost early years education provider.
A Nationwide Commitment to Literacy
This ambitious initiative unites over 350 Busy Bees nurseries and approximately 37,000 children across the country, all dedicated to enjoying a minimum of four books daily. The program's primary objective is to restore storytime as a delightful experience that cultivates an enduring passion for literacy from the earliest developmental stages. Families are actively encouraged to participate, rediscovering the pleasure of reading at home while supporting children in achieving this significant milestone.
The launch of this campaign arrives at a particularly crucial juncture. Recent data paints a concerning picture: merely one in three children currently enjoys reading during their leisure time, with fewer than one in five engaging in daily reading. More alarmingly, one in ten children lacks ownership of any books, and only half of parents (50.5%) now read with their children each day—a substantial decline from two-thirds (66.1%) recorded in 2019.
Embedding Reading into Daily Nursery Life
In direct response to this troubling downward trend, Busy Bees nurseries throughout Derbyshire are systematically integrating reading into every facet of the nursery day. Children are experiencing at least four stories daily, supported by dedicated story sessions and learning environments rich with books specifically designed to foster early literacy skills and a lifelong appreciation for reading.
These nurseries are also strengthening collaboration with parents by offering practical guidance, educational resources, and personalized book recommendations to help families establish consistent reading routines at home. This comprehensive approach recognizes that parental involvement is essential for sustaining literacy development beyond nursery walls.
Expert Insights on Early Literacy Development
With 2026 designated as the National Year of Reading, educational experts emphasize that early reading experiences have never been more critical. Research consistently demonstrates that shared reading during a child's formative years significantly enhances language development, builds confidence, and stimulates imagination—fundamental building blocks that influence academic success throughout their educational journey.
Jenny Shaw, academic lead researcher and developer at Busy Bees, elaborated: "Every day in our Derbyshire nurseries, we witness how a simple story can captivate a child's curiosity. Reading represents far more than a momentary activity—it serves as a spark that ignites imagination, supports early language acquisition, builds self-assurance, and deepens connections between parent and child."
"These statistics reveal a worrying national pattern, and we recognize that reversing this trend requires igniting that reading spark long before children enter primary school. Our nurseries are committed to creating daily opportunities for children to enjoy stories. Through our Bee Curious Curriculum, we strive to nurture an authentic love for stories, ensuring literacy becomes not merely a skill children acquire but a passion they maintain throughout their lives."
Shaw further acknowledged the challenges modern families face: "We understand many families are managing demanding schedules, and we're dedicated to helping them rediscover the enjoyment of reading while recognizing its profound, lasting impact on their child's academic trajectory. We invite all families and caregivers to participate—even just five to ten minutes of shared reading can spark a genuine love for reading, strengthen parent-child bonds, and support children's emotional wellbeing."
National Year of Reading Partnership
To commemorate the upcoming National Year of Reading, Busy Bees has formally pledged its support for the campaign and established a partnership with award-winning storyteller Laura Henry-Allain MBE, creator of the beloved JoJo and Gran Gran series, to champion the vital importance of inspiring reading passion from early childhood.
Henry-Allain, who also serves as ambassador for the National Year of Reading, commented: "As both an educationalist and storyteller, I have always maintained profound enthusiasm for promoting children's reading, particularly during their Early Years. It is truly heartening to learn that Busy Bees, through their Bee Curious curriculum, has implemented the four-a-day book challenge, which will undoubtedly create lasting impacts on children's literacy development and help them become lifelong readers."
The 'Get the Reading Buzz' initiative represents a coordinated, nationwide effort to read more than 45 million books with children this year, calculated based on over 37,000 Busy Bees children reading four books daily from March through December, with families invited to contribute to this collective mission during weekends.
