The Literacy Link network welcomes findings of the reading for pleasure inquiry and calls for long-term investment in National Reading Guarantee

National literacy network highlights crucial role of charities in delivering Education Committee recommendations

The Literacy Link, representing a diverse network of organisations that support reading and literacy in schools, homes and communities with children, young people and adults across the UK, has welcomed the Education Committee's recent inquiry into reading for pleasure and its recommendation for a National Reading Guarantee.

The inquiry recognised the importance of reading for pleasure across education and society, including the need for a renewed focus in teacher training, better support for families, improved access to books and libraries, and a sustained national commitment to developing positive reading habits. The Literacy Link members work across all of these areas, supporting schools, families and communities to develop children's reading skills while nurturing a lifelong enjoyment of reading. Their contributions were recognised by the Committee:

"The necessary foundations for change are already present - there exists a rich and committed ecosystem working to promote reading for pleasure. We have heard of many inspiring examples of programmes run by charities, schools, libraries, publishers, booksellers, and other groups, which are having a positive impact in their communities." (Education Committee, 2026, p89)

The network particularly welcomes the Committee's recommendation of more strategic government support for Literacy programmes:

"The private, voluntary and community sectors are stepping up to play their part in getting children reading. However, access to these opportunities are not evenly distributed and children’s experiences of these will vary widely according to what is available and funded in their local area and, in the case of paid-for events, their families’ income. The government should take on a leading role in ensuring consistent and more equitable access to programmes." (Conclusion, Paragraph 44)

The Literacy Link was established to strengthen collaboration across the literacy sector, raise awareness of effective literacy programmes and ensure that schools and communities can access high-quality support. The Literacy Link members contributed expert evidence to the inquiry, sharing research and practical experience on the benefits of reading for pleasure and effective approaches to supporting young readers. The network believes that coordinated action between government, education settings, libraries and voluntary sector organisations will be essential to achieving the delivering the inquiry's vision and reversing the decline in reading for pleasure among children and young people. We hope that the ambitions of a National Decade of Reading and National Reading Guarantee are now put into action, placing the work of our members at the heart of lasting change for children and young people.

Amy Lewis and Emma Bell, Co-Chairs of the Literacy Link, said:

"The Education Committee's report rightly recognises that reading for pleasure is fundamental to children's wellbeing, confidence and educational success. A new Prime Minister and refocusing of the Cabinet present a powerful opportunity to turn these recommendations into meaningful action."

"This is where the Literacy Link network can play a vital role. Collectively, our member organisations reach thousands of schools, families and communities every year, delivering evidence-based programmes that support children's reading development and nurture a love of reading. Together, we provide the expertise, partnerships and infrastructure needed to help realise the ambitions set out in the inquiry."

"We urge the Department for Education to adopt the recommendation for a National Reading Guarantee and a National Decade of Reading, backed by strategic investment and strong partnerships between schools, early years settings, libraries and the literacy sector. Sustained collaboration will be essential if we are to create a culture in which every child has the opportunity to become a confident reader and experience the joy of reading."