This morning, in an open letter to the Prime Minister, our Children’s Laureate, the bestselling author-illustrator Cressida Cowell, highlights the effects of long-term underfunding of England’s primary school libraries. Millions of children – particularly those from the poorest communities – are missing out on the opportunity to read for pleasure, and all the benefits this brings.

The letter makes the argument for ring-fenced funding for primary school libraries.  It is research based, with costed proposals, and backed by the major national literacy organisations as well as previous children’s laureates.  Read the full text here.