John Swinney marks Book Week Scotland with school pupils

The First Minister has met Edinburgh primary school pupils to mark Book Week Scotland.

John Swinney visited Wardie Primary School where he gave primary two and three pupils gift bags from the Read Write Count With The First Minister programme – an initiative that aims to raise attainment in schools.

Mr Swinney joined the pupils to hear about new books, storytelling cards and numeracy games.

The visit coincided with World Children’s Day and came ahead of a meeting with Save the Children in Bute House to discuss the challenges faced by families on low incomes.

Mr Swinney said the Scottish Government is determined to drive improvement in literacy in primary schools, and that proficiency levels have reached a record high in Scotland.

He added: “But we are determined to drive further improvements and that is why programmes like Read Write Count With The First Minister are so valuable.

“With thanks to our partners in the Scottish Book Trust, it helps children and young people by making learning a fun family activity.

“Book Week Scotland is the perfect time to acknowledge the hugely positive benefits of reading for pleasure on wellbeing and attainment.

“I am convinced that developing an early love of reading can help us throughout our lives.

“The theme this year is hope and I believe it is well-chosen because reading inspires children and young people to imagine how things might be not only different, but better.

“I want every child in Scotland, no matter their circumstances, to be filled with hope for a better future.”

Scottish Book Trust has an early years programme, named Bookbug, aimed at encouraging parents and carers to share stories, rhymes and songs with children.

Marc Lambert, chief executive of Scottish Book Trust said: “Gifting Read Write Count bags to every primary two and three pupils in schools across Scotland is one of Scottish Book Trust’s yearly highlights.

“For many children, the books they receive through the Bookbug and Read Write Count gifting programmes are the only books they have at home.

“We know access to books makes a big impact on children’s lives, with research showing it can boost attainment across the curriculum as well as improving wellbeing, empathy and future opportunities.

“We thank the First Minister for joining us at Wardie Primary as the pupils and families were gifted their bags.”