Vast majority of teachers say libraries help children prepare for classroom

Services provided by public libraries can help young children prepare for formal education and address concerns over "school readiness", according to a new poll of primary teachers for Libraries Connected.

The poll, carried out by Survation, revealed that 90% of the 522 primary school teachers surveyed agree that visiting a public library regularly can help young children prepare for starting school. Meanwhile, 97% say preschool activities such as library "rhyme times" are important for young children’s development, and 97% would advise a parent with a child starting school in September to enrol them with their local library.

The survey also revealed that primary teachers would like to see more action by local and national government to increase preschool library use, with 92% saying they would support a national programme to give children automatic membership of their local library. In addition, 87% said libraries should work with other services, such as health visiting teams or children’s centres, to help young children transition to school.

The findings of the poll are included in the charity’s new briefing note, Ready to Learn, which aims to highlight the role of libraries in helping young children settle in and succeed at school.

Teachers, politicians and education bodies, including Ofsted, have all raised concerns that the pandemic has led to an increase in children who are not considered school ready. Communication, social skills and literacy have been cited as particular areas of concern.

Libraries Connected points to a growing body of evidence that libraries can help children get school ready by providing access to a wide range of age-appropriate reading materials, hosting high-quality early years activities and promoting a positive home learning environment. The charity is encouraging parents of children starting Reception in September to make the most of their local library in the coming weeks, including taking part in the nationwide Summer Reading Challenge.

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, commented: "Helping young children develop the skills they need to thrive at school is a fundamental role of public libraries. That role is more important than ever as we tackle the post-pandemic attainment gap between children from lower-income households and their better-off peers.

"Our poll shows that teachers are overwhelmingly positive about libraries and firmly believe that they can help prepare children for school. Libraries are exciting, accessible environments that spark imagination, curiosity and a love of learning. They should be at the heart of efforts to ensure children arrive at school ready to learn and flourish."