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<p>Findings from the PISA survey (OECD, 2010) indicated that in 2009 96% of pupils
in the United Kingdom were attending a school where there was a library.</p><p> </p><p>In
line with our approach to giving schools in England greater freedom we believe that
it should be for headteachers to decide whether and how to provide a library service
for their pupils. We do not, therefore, issue guidance to schools relating to the
provision of school libraries. Many headteachers recognise the role libraries play
in improving young people's literacy and love of reading, and ensure that suitable
library facilities are provided.</p><p> </p><p>Our new English curriculum makes clear
the importance of reading widely and often. The Department for Education supports
Booktrust, which runs the Read for My School competition which offers pupils access
to a free online library of books, and The Reading Agency, which runs the Summer Reading
Challenge, an annual event developed to stop children's reading levels dipping during
the long holidays by providing book themed events in local libraries.</p><p> </p><p>The
Department has not commissioned research on the link between access to books and literacy,
but know from earlier reports (Clark, C, Woodley, J and Lewis, F. [2011]. The Gift
of Reading in 2011: Children and young people's access to books and attitudes towards
reading. London: National Literacy Trust.) and (PIRLS [2012] PIRLS 2011 International
Results in Reading, TIMSS and PIRLS International Study Centre: Boston) that there
is a positive relationship between the number of books in the home and attainment.</p>
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