The National Literacy Trust has unveiled its “Early Words Matter” campaign, spotlighting a critical yet often overlooked issue: early childhood literacy. The Trust’s recent announcements paint a concerning picture of the current state of child literacy in the UK, showcasing the profound impact of early years on lifelong learning and socio-economic outcomes.

Bridging the literacy gap: a national priority

A staggering figure from last year reveals that over 185,000 five-year-olds began school lacking essential literacy, communication, and language skills, prerequisites for their future academic and professional success. The Trust underscores the gravity of this situation, stating, “A child’s earliest years are crucial to their development and life chances.” The repercussions of this deficit are far-reaching, influencing not just immediate learning experiences but also long-term prospects, including GCSE performance and employment opportunities.

Read: UK cost of living crisis: ‘a million children do not own books’

The campaign sheds light on the disproportionate effect of this literacy gap on children from impoverished backgrounds, where the cycle of disadvantage is perpetuated by limited access to resources and support. The Trust’s research, conducted in partnership with Pro Bono Economics and supported by KPMG UK, revealed that around 106,000 five-year-olds could achieve expected literacy levels with adequate early intervention, yet are left behind due to systemic shortcomings.

Highlighting the economic implications, the report projects an £830 million lifetime cost due to this educational oversight, with a notable concentration of affected children in deprived regions such as Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester. The message is clear: the stakes are high, not just for the individuals but for society at large.

Mobilising community and business support for early literacy

The “Early Words Matter” initiative calls for collective action, urging stakeholders from various sectors to unite for a transformative cause. The campaign has garnered support from influential business leaders, as evidenced by an open letter championing the movement, which include the likes of senior executives from Greggs, WHSmith, and Pan Macmillan. This collaborative effort aims to catalyse change, prioritising early language and literacy as a cornerstone of children’s development and future opportunities.

Read: Children’s Laureates call for national investment in early years reading

The Trust’s five-year plan aspires to reach 250,000 children, particularly in areas hardest hit by poverty and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Through comprehensive programmes and community engagement, the initiative seeks to elevate awareness, provide targeted support, and empower parents to nurture their children’s literacy from the outset.

Recently, Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE, President of BookTrust and former Children’s Laureate, alongside current Laureate Joseph Coelho and other esteemed laureates, called on UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Opposition Leader Sir Keir Starmer for a substantial investment in children’s early reading.

In a heartfelt appeal, the National Literacy Trust invites public and corporate support, emphasising that overcoming the literacy crisis is a shared responsibility. The Trust’s message is a reminder that the foundation of a child’s future is laid in the earliest years, and society’s role is to ensure that this foundation is as robust as possible.