Early years settings
Small stories make a big difference
The Early Years Foundation Stage plays one of the most defining roles in helping children fall in love with reading.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is here to make that easier, offering simple, playful ideas to build stories and books into your everyday activities and routines.
If you work in a school setting, you can also explore our guidance and resources on our Schools page.
Why it matters
Reading in early years changes everything
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Early reading is a foundation for learning
Hearing stories, songs and rhymes from infancy strengthens vital brain pathways, builds vocabulary and helps children develop the communication skills they rely on for life. These early literacy experiences lay the groundwork for future learning.
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Stories support beyond the moment
Sharing books and stories helps children make sense of emotions, explore new ideas and build secure relationships with the adults around them. When they are part of everyday life, children grow in confidence, become more curious and develop emotional resilience.
We need your support
You shape their reading from the very beginning
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Supporting you and your setting
The National Year of Reading will help you make stories part of everyday life in your setting. You’ll find simple ideas, playful activities and ready-to-use tools to help you spark children’s curiosity.
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Reaching beyond your setting
By helping families feel confident reading at home – in whatever way works for them – you’ll keep that early momentum going. The campaign will give you resources to share with parents and carers, so together you can give every child the strongest possible start.
Practitioner support
Resources to help stories thrive in your setting
Whether you are an experienced practitioner or just starting out, you’ll find inspirational ways to make books and stories part of your setting.
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Starter toolkit
Download our calendar and briefing presentation to ensure your early years setting is ready for the National Year of Reading in 2026.
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Introductory webinar
Attend our all-phase launch webinar for the National Year of Reading, featuring keynote speaker Professor Teresa Cremin.
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Early Years webinar
The first instalment in a series of termly professional development webinars focused on early years settings.
Practitioner Guidance
Your essential guide to supporting early reading
This guidance brings together best practice, practical tips and research insights to help you plan and deliver rich reading experiences in your setting.
Created by the National Literacy Trust, it’s designed to support children’s language, communication and love of stories.
Resources for families
Help families keep the story going at home
The moments you spark in your setting don’t have to stop at the door. With ideas, activities and guidance you can share with families, you’ll help them weave stories into busy routines in ways that feel natural and achievable.
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Little Moments Together cards
A free resource designed to support parents and carers of 0 to 2-year-olds to talk more with their children during day-to-day activities.
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Chat, play, read booklet
Filled with simple activities including songs, games and ideas for chatting that can be incorporated within daily routines at home.
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Let songs lead the reading
Books with songs are a brilliant way to capture young children’s attention and make shared reading feel joyful and familiar.
Go All In Participation Award™
Celebrate your setting’s commitment to early years reading
The Go All In Participation Award celebrates the imaginative ways practitioners are helping babies and young children experience the joy of stories during the National Year of Reading 2026. It rewards settings that make reading meaningful, engaging and part of everyday life – through songs, stories, play and forging strong connections with families.
Register through our learning platform for criteria, guidance, templates, and a simple way to log your work across the year.
reading tips
You don’t need to be a perfect storyteller
What matters most is bringing stories to life in a way that engages children and helps them follow the meaning.
Try out character voices, play with pace and expression, and use pictures to spark conversation. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll feel, and the richer the experience becomes for the children in your care.
professional development
Overcoming barriers to reading for pleasure
Listen in to practitioners in reflective conversations discussing how to overcome key barriers to supporting children’s reading for fun.
Developed by World Book Day in partnership with The Open University’s Reading for Pleasure team.
Research & Insights
Going deeper on early years reading
If you’d like to explore the evidence that underpins early language and literacy, these short reads share the latest thinking.
They’re designed to strengthen your understanding and support confident practice, whatever your route into Early Years.
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Reading in the Early Years: supporting generational cycles of readers
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Parents' support for young children's literacy at home in 2024
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The Power of Reading in the Early Years. Summary of research on the Mercers funded Early Years Project
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Mary Medlicott is a professional storyteller, trainer and workshop leader with over 30 years’ experience
2026 highlights
Key reading moments to help you Go All In
These national events make it easy to get babies and children involved, and ride the wave of increased attention on reading. They could be what sparks a life-long love of reading.
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2–8 February
National Storytelling Week
A joyful celebration of the power of sharing stories. This year's theme for schools is 'Soundtrack your Story’
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5 March
World Book Day
The reading for fun charity, World Book Day inspires children everywhere to enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun.
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23 April
World Book Night
On the UNESCO International Day of the Book, a celebration of reading for adults. Pick up one of this year's Quick Reads.
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1–7 June
Volunteers Week
A week-long celebration and recognition of the incredible impact of volunteering in communities, schools and libraries.
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July–September
Summer Reading Challenge
Partnering with Universal Music Group UK, this year's challenge is themed 'Read to the Beat!'
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10 October
Take 10 to Read
On World Mental Health Day, take 10 minutes to read to relax, boost your mood or escape for a moment.
Events Calendar
Find reading events happening near you
The National Year of Reading will unfold across 2026, packed with opportunities to get babies and children involved. Find out what’s happening in your local area.