Decision details

The committee considered a report on the response to a Notice of Motion regarding the National Year of Reading.

Members were updated that Cheshire East Council promotes that families encourage children to read as early as possible, and to make use of free local libraries. It was noted that the National Year of Reading was being promoted via the Family Hubs, Weekly School Bulletin, and a communications plan would be put together to further promote it.

Members were updated that Cheshire East Council were working alongside the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner regarding their proposals for developing a Country wide programme to reduce mobile phone use in secondary schools and to achieve Country wide coverage by September 2026. Two secondary schools in Cheshire East were currently acting on this, and all but two to date had shown an interest in supporting the ambition. It was noted that there was a significant negative consequence of screen time on children’s reading ability.

Members were also updated that Cheshire East Council are in discussions with Generation Focus, with a mission for every school to be smartphone free.

Members were updated that schools and education providers were adept at working alongside families and children whose first language wasn’t English.

Members noted that all Cheshire East Members should be encouraged to sign up to the online pledge. 

A friendly amendment to the recommendations was proposed by Councillor L Crane and accepted by the committee:

To Approve both Points 3 and 4, and to amend Point 3 to read:

Welcomes and supports the National Year of Reading and its campaign objectives and commits to working with our partners including local libraries, schools, community groups, literacy organisations, and businesses to promote reading across our communities facilitated by a Member Task and Finish Group reporting back to the appropriate Cabinet Member.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Children and Families Committee:

Note that:

1. Point 1: Notes that the Government has designated 2026 as the National Year of Reading, supported by national partners and charities to encourage reading for pleasure.

2. Point 2: Recognises the benefits of reading for educational attainment, wellbeing and social inclusion.

Approve that:

3. Point 3: Welcomes and supports the National Year of Reading and its campaign objectives and commits to working with our partners including local libraries, schools, community groups, literacy organisations, and businesses to promote reading across our communities facilitated by a Member Task and Finish Group reporting back to the appropriate Cabinet Member.

4. Point 4: Requests that the Leader, on behalf of the Council, completes the online Pledge stating actions the Council