The Department for Education has reaffirmed its commitment to providing free books for babies and children and announced a new scheme to be targeted through children's centres.
Education secretary Michael Gove last week revealed that funding for the free book gifting scheme delivered by the Booktrust charity, which has been allocated £13.5m over two years - only half of what it previously received - would continue with the programmes Bookstart (0-4 years), Booktime (4-5 years) and Booked Up (11 years).
Just before Christmas the Government announced plans to cut funding for Booktrust. But the decision was reversed after criticism from the poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy and other children's authors.
Mr Gove also outlined plans for a new scheme called Bookstart Corner, aimed at the most disadvantaged families with children aged 12-30 months, to be accessed through Sure Start centres.
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