Our research has highlighted a crisis in reading for pleasure. Only 1 in 3 children and young people said that they enjoy reading in their free time with an especially steep decline in the enjoyment of reading in primary-aged children.
That decline is not inevitable. These resources provide practical tips and ideas for promoting a culture of reading in your primary school.
Inspired ideas and practical approaches
Download resources to discover:
- 20 practical ideas to inspire a vibrant, whole-school reading environment from book nooks to displays, outdoor reading spaces to homework ideas
- Ways to engage staff colleagues in creating your school reading culture
- Tips for successful buddy reading in primary school.
By putting reading into the heart of school life, you can support your children to develop a love of reading and, in doing so, can support children to become confident and competent readers.
“If we want to be skillful in helping other people, especially children, become willing, avid, and – most important of all – thoughtful readers, we need to know how to create a reading environment that enables them.”
Aiden Chambers
Further support for reading for pleasure
Read more about our work researching and supporting reading for pleasure.
To hear more about what children and young people tell us about their experiences of reading and what their voices mean for teachers and schools, explore our Research into Practice: Children and young people's perspectives on reading resource.
Throughout 2026, we're celebrating the National Year of Reading. The National Literacy Trust is lead delivery partner for an exciting year of events, opportunities, and resources. Find out more about the activities and materials we've developed to help you Go All In.
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This comprehensive guide to research and policy developments in primary literacy designed to help you develop evidence-based, sustainable literacy practices.View details about Primary Literacy Guide and Review
