Why is Doorstep Library needed? Comprehensive studies have shown that the UK is one of the most unforgiving countries in the developed world when it comes to the literacy of economically disadvantaged families. Research from the National Literacy Trust indicates that 1 in 5 children (aged 5-8) does not own a single book of their own, a figure we know is even higher among families facing economic disadvantage. With 87% of parents saying they now have less disposable income and over 50% of parents saying that books are simply too expensive, the growing cost of living crisis is having a negative impact on child literacy.
Here in the UK, how well you read has a direct bearing on how well you do in life. For various reasons, not just the cost of living, children coming from disadvantaged areas are less likely to have books, less likely to read with their parents and less likely to read for pleasure. Not only are they more likely to fall behind in their studies as a result, but they also fall behind in their lives. Amongst developed nations, it is the UK that shows the clearest link between poor literacy and unemployment. For most children, there is no way back, because much of what support there is doesn’t reach its target. We leave our most vulnerable children behind.
For more information on the links between poverty and illiteracy see the reports highlighted below.
