Laura Sharman 19 August 2015

All children to be enrolled at a local library pledges minister

All children over 8-years old will automatically be enrolled at their local library, in a bid to improve literacy and stop the closure of public libraries.

Under plans unveiled today, education secretary Nicky Morgan has said it was a 'national mission' to improve the literacy levels of schoolchildren.

As well as issuing library cards to all junior school students, there are also plans to create at least 200 new book clubs across the country.

Officials hope this will stop the closure of libraries, which often have their funding withdrawn if there are not enough members.

Ms Morgan, who has teamed up with comedian David Walliams to launch the campaign, said: 'No matter where they live or what their background, every single child in this country deserves the opportunity to read, to read widely, and to read well - it’s a simple matter of social justice.

'Our reforms have already helped tens of thousands more pupils to leave primary school as confident readers but we must go further.'

Figures show that one in five children leave primary school unable to read well enough to succeed at secondary school, rising to one in three among the most disadvantaged children.

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Team Leader – Traffic Network Management

Hounslow London Borough Council
£52,194 – £57,402
We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Director of Young People and Opportunities

Newham London Borough Council
£98,994 - £120,507
A defining role for young people in Newham Newham, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Newham London Borough Council

Building Compliance & Reactive Works Manager

East Devon District Council
£36,363 - £42,839
We have an exciting opportunity for a Building Compliance & Reactive Works Manager to join our Buildings and Facilities Management Team. Devon
Recuriter: East Devon District Council

Programme Director – Local Government Reorganisation

Staffordshire County Council
£Competitive
Lead one of the most significant local government transformation programmes in England! Staffordshire / Stoke on Trent
Recuriter: Staffordshire County Council

Executive Director – Place and Prosperity

South Derbyshire District Council
£106,484 up to £115,687 plus an essential car user allowance is also paid.
We are seeking an exceptional Executive Director to help shape the future of South Derbyshire at a pivotal moment in its history. Swadlincote, Derbyshire / Agile
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council
Linkedin Banner