I have been surprised at how many of my friends didn't know about the Bookstart scheme so thought i'd start a thread to make sure you all know about it too!
From the leaflet I was given at the library today -
"There are 3 wonderful Bookstart packs available for your child, each containing 2 super books and other things:
Bookstart bag should be given to you by the Health Visitor by the time your baby is 1
Bookstart + bag should be given by your Health Visiting team when your child is between 2 and 2.6
My Bookstart Treasure Box will be given by the playgroup, nursery or childminder the term after the 3rd birthday"
now, in my area (suffolk), this doesn't always happen, the 2 yr check with the HV is done over the phone so they don't give you the pack, and if your child doesn't go to nursery at 3 they don't end up with that pack either. my ds does go to nursery but his was never sent to them, seems a bit hit-and-miss.
You can however go into your local Library with your dc's red book and ask for any of them at the correct time. We collected packs 2 & 3 from the library when he was 2 and then today. The Library also runs a bookstart trail where your child is rewarded with stickers and certificates for borrowing books from the library.
It might not be much but EVERY child is entitled to it, ds is thrilled with his treasure chest, it has 'Peace at Last' by Jill Murphy, 'You choose' by Nick Sharratt and Pippa Goodhart, some sticky bookplates, crayola colouring pencils, a sharpener, colouring book, and info for parents, all in a sturdy box.