Impact

Understanding the impact of our interventions is central to BookTrust’s work.

Our monitoring, evaluation and learning activities enable us to clearly understand our reach and impact so we know, with confidence, that we are maximising the impact of our work with children and families.

We work in partnership with all 179 local authorities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

Our partners include: 

  • Almost 5,000 early years settings 

  • Over 2,000 libraries 

  • Over 700 Childrens Centres, Family Hubs and Sure Start Centres 

  • And many other organisations.

Through our work together we: 

  • Distribute 1.75 million books, resources and support packs to children and families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

  • Reach disadvantaged children in their early years in over 90% of local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

  • Reach cared for children in 87% of local authority areas in England, Wales and Northern Ireland 

  • Provide books in 37 different languages.

We work closely with children, families and our partners to understand the impact of our work.  

Through our surveys we’re hearing from families that our books and resources are introducing them to the importance of reading from the earliest age and providing new and enjoyable ways to start sharing books and stories: 

  • 86% of first-time parents/carers from low-income households say the books included in their Bookstart Baby packs were the first they owned for their child. 

  • 72% of parents/carers from low-income households say the Bookstart Baby packs helped them understand more about the benefits of sharing stories early on with their child. 

  • 98% of parents/carers from low-income households say they and their child enjoyed using the books and activities in their pack  

  • 82% of parents/carers from low-income households say they learned something new from their Bookstart Toddler / Bookstart Pre-Schooler packs about different ways they can read and share stories with their child 

  • 84% of parents/carers from low-income households say the Bookstart Toddler / Bookstart Pre-Schooler packs prompted them to read and share stories more with their child.

BookTrust strategy B-heart illustration

The Next Chapter - our strategy

There’s never been a more urgent time for us to inspire a new generation of children on their reading journeys. The Next Chapter sets out how we will get every child reading, regularly and by choice, so they can reap the lifechanging benefits of reading.

Find out more