We're trying to get more Sunderland children reading as levels hit new low

Busy Bees, which has nurseries in Ashbrooke, Ryhope, Doxford Park and Fulwell, is taking part in the Get the Reading Buzz pledge, which is taking place at Busy Bees across the country to engage tens of thousands of children in the joy of reading.

The drive comes following the publication of a study by the Literacy Trust which showed that just one in three children enjoy reading in their free time, and fewer than one in five read daily, with figures showing that the love of reading is at a 20-year low.

Alarmingly, one in 10 children do not own a book, and only half (50.5%) of parents now read with their child each day, down from two-thirds (66.1%) in 2019.

You can read the report here

In response to this decline, Busy Bees nurseries across Sunderland, which care for around 700 children, are embedding reading into every part of the nursery day, with children enjoying up to at least four stories, supported by dedicated story times and book-rich learning environments designed to nurture early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading.

The nurseries are also working closely with parents, providing practical guidance, resources, and book recommendations to help families build consistent reading habits at home.

With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, experts warn that early reading experiences are more crucial than ever.

Reading together during a child’s earliest years is proven to support language development, confidence and imagination – foundations that shape children’s academic outcomes well beyond their early years.

Jenny Shaw, Academic Lead Researcher and Developer at Busy Bees, said: “Every day in our Sunderland nurseries, we see how a simple story can capture a child’s curiosity. Reading is more than just a moment, it’s a spark that ignites imagination, supports early language development, builds confidence and deepens connections between parent and child.

“These figures highlight a concerning national trend, and we know that to reverse it, we must ignite that reading spark long before a child reaches primary school. Our nurseries are dedicated to creating daily opportunities for children to enjoy stories.

“Through our Bee Curious Curriculum, we aim to nurture a love of stories, ensuring literacy isn’t just a skill children acquire but a passion they keep.

“We understand that many families are juggling busy schedules, and we’re committed to helping families enjoy reading again and recognise the lasting impact it can have on their child’s academic journey.

“We’re inviting families and carers to join in and rediscover the joy of reading at home – even just 5-10 minutes of reading together can spark a love of reading, nurture the bond between parent and child and support children’s emotional wellbeing.”