TOM ARTHUR MSP WELCOMES ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FIRST MINISTER’S READ WRITE COUNT PROGRAMME
The First Minister’s Read Write Count programme is helping to improve literacy and “encourage a new generation of readers” in Renfrewshire South, Tom Arthur MSP has said, as new figures reveal that 2,641 pupils in Primary 2 and 3 children in East Renfrewshire have received free books under the scheme, [including 6 who also received books in Gaelic.]
Read Write Count with the First Minister is a key part of the SNP-led Scottish Government’s commitment on raising attainment, and encourages families to include fun and easy reading, writing, and counting activities in their everyday lives.
During Book Week Scotland, the Scottish Book Trust distributes Read, Write, Count bags, which contain two books, to Primary 2 and Primary 3 pupils across the country.
The figures from SPICe, Tom Arthur MSP has said, underline the SNP’s dedication to increasing the number of opportunities open to children in Renfrewshire South and giving them the best start in life possible.
Commenting, Tom Arthur said:
“I welcome these new figures which reveal 2,641 children in East Renfrewshire have received free books from the Scottish Book Trust, thanks to the First Minister’s Read Write Count programme, which is helping to encourage a new generation of readers.
“Books can open any number of doors for young people and is a love that will stay with them their whole lives; however, we know that too many children in Renfrewshire South will not have easy access to books at home –a problem that will only have been exacerbated by the Westminster cost of living crisis.
“From Baby Boxes to the Scottish Child Payment and Best Starts Grants – initiatives like the First Minister’s Read Write Count programme are helping to give every child across Scotland and in Renfrewshire South the best start in life they can have.”