Barnsley’s Story Begins: Every Child’s Right to Read

Barnsley has taken an exciting step forward in its journey to become a true place of Stories. Last week, BookTrust and Barnsley Council officially launched the next stage of the Reading Rights: Books Build a Brighter Future campaign with the first in-person workshop for a new place-based pilot.

This pioneering partnership is all about giving every child in Barnsley the chance to grow up with reading at the heart of daily life – from their very first years.

A shared vision: Barnsley, a City of Stories

The Reading Rights campaign, led nationally by Waterstones Children’s Laureate Frank Cottrell-Boyce and BookTrust, is calling for reading to be embedded into the everyday lives of all children during their crucial first seven years.

In Barnsley, this vision is coming alive through a powerful partnership. BookTrust and Barnsley Council have brought together a taskforce of experts, from health visitors and midwives to libraries, GP practices, Family Hubs, and third-sector partners, to build a local model that works for our families.

This approach aligns directly with Barnsley Council’s Great Childhood Ambition, ensuring that every child can dream, grow, and belong through the joy of stories.

Workshop launch: shaping the Barnsley pilot

At last week’s workshop, colleagues from across the borough came together to share expertise, spark fresh ideas, and shape practical next steps for the pilot.

The focus was on how we can best equip local professionals, families and communities to make reading part of everyday life – whether that’s through training, embedding storytelling into health and family services, or providing families with high-quality books and resources.

The atmosphere was one of optimism and excitement, with a strong sense that Barnsley is ready to lead the way.

Voices from the partnership

Will Carr, Senior Partnerships Manager for BookTrust North, said:
“The workshop was a brilliant opportunity to pool the expertise of partners in The Dearne and to listen to their insights. We left with fresh ideas for aligning existing work and new opportunities where BookTrust can add value. There was real excitement in the room about what’s possible – and we’re now ready to take practical steps that will result in meaningful, co-designed reading support for families.”

Karen Rose, Head of Early Start, Prevention and Sufficiency for Barnsley Council’s Children’s Services, said:
“It was fantastic to see colleagues from across Family Hubs, Libraries, Public Health, and Area Council teams come together. We’re particularly excited about ideas such as professional training to embed storytelling into everyday practice. With consistent messaging, quality books and resources, we can give families the tools to bond, play and learn together. This work is vital to our Great Childhoods Ambition.”

Cllr Ashley Peace,  Cabinet Spokesperson for Children, said:
“Barnsley is a place that believes in giving every child the best possible start in life. Through this pilot, we’re showing that reading isn’t just about books – it’s about belonging, imagination, and opportunity. By working together across health, education and community services, we’re creating the foundations for brighter futures for our children.”

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, said: “This partnership with BookTrust is about much more than a campaign, it’s about lasting change. Reading opens doors to learning, wellbeing and aspiration. By making it a right for every child in Barnsley, we’re building a community where stories and opportunities go hand in hand.”

Looking ahead: a blueprint for the future

The long-term ambition is to develop a sustainable, replicable model that can be scaled to other towns, cities and rural areas across the UK. What we learn in Barnsley will shape how communities everywhere can harness the power of reading to transform children’s futures.

This is just the beginning – and the energy, collaboration and creativity shown in Barnsley already sets a powerful example.