Government says no to making school libraries statutory

“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to make school libraries statutory.”

Details of Petition:

“We, the undersigned, call on Her Majesty’s Government to accept in principle that it will make school libraries, run by properly qualified staff, statutory and to prepare the necessary legislation in consultation with the appropriate professional associations and trade unions.”

Read the Government’s response:

School libraries are a key resource for pupils and teachers. They support the National Curriculum by providing books and ICT equipment, and at their best they are a valuable asset to teachers and a source of enjoyment and learning for children and young people.

However, the provision of a school library is not a statutory requirement, and there are no current plans to alter this and change the legislation.

It is the Government’s policy to put as much money as possible directly into schools’ budgets, allowing schools to target resources appropriately and to make their own choices about their school library provision and book resourcing.

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page22227