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Reading: Cash needed to keep playgroup's storybook sessions

University of Reading Whitley Wood PlaygroupUniversity of Reading
The storybook reading group is held at Whitley Wood Playgroup weekly during term time

A weekly reading session at a playgroup in Berkshire is at risk of ending unless a way to fund it can be found.

The storybook sessions for pre-school children at Whitley Wood Playgroup are run by the University of Reading.

Set up in November 2023, the free sessions see a storybook read alongside activities centred on the tale with families given a copy of the book.

The university said with annual funding of about £8,000 due to end in April, families "stand to lose" the sessions.

University of Reading Whitley Wood PlaygroupUniversity of Reading
The university said local families stand to lose the "vital community resource" is funding cannot be found

The university said the storytelling and play sessions for families with children aged up to four were the only free early years activity available locally to many families.

Elli Walker, a University of Reading research assistant who helped set up the scheme, said: "It would be heartbreaking if these sessions ended when they are having such a positive impact.

"We urgently need community funding to continue this invaluable resource into the next year."

Designed by early literacy experts and teachers, they are integrated into the playgroup "to expose toddlers to the enjoyment of reading".

It would feel like a tragedy for the sessions to end," the university said.

Ruth and Jabari
Ruth said the sessions helped with Jabari's language development

It added that up to 16 families make use of the storybook reading group every week.

Stacey, a mother who has become a regular at the sessions with son Joey, said she was "upset when I was told".

"The numbers coming here have grown with each session so it means a lot to people from the area," she said.

Ruth, another regular with her child, said son Jabari was easily distracted at home but could sit and listen to stories at the community centre.

"I think he'll miss it," she said.

"It's really important to him, especially for his speech development as well.

"I'm hearing him talk a lot more now he's getting to listen to stories regularly... it's going to be a real shame to lose it."

The sessions at the playgroup have been funded to date by Research England and Friends of Reading.

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