If you've read our essential Frequently Asked Questions and couldn't find the answer to your question, read on for additional book pack delivery information.

 

Is there any cost to the school or to the children/families or schools/libraries?

No - Booktime is a charitable programme, and book packs are a free gift from education and publishing company Pearson for children to enjoy sharing with family and friends shortly after they first start primary school. The programme is managed by independent charity Booktrust and supported by government funding. Read about our supporters in England and Scotland.

 

What if our school doesn’t receive a delivery?

If your school in England has a reception class and has not received a book pack delivery by Wednesday 10 November 2010, please contact the Booktime Helpline. The helpline details are: 01279 623 096 - booktimehelpline@pearson.com.

 

What do I do if there aren't enough book packs in my delivery?

  • Please check the delivery label and await your full delivery. Suppliers will be staggering deliveries to some schools. For example, if the label on the box says ‘1 of 3’ and you have only received 1 box, another 2 boxes will be arriving shortly.
  • Booktime book packs are only available for reception aged children in England. To ensure the sustainability of the programme, and to make sure every eligible child receives their book pack, we cannot provide packs for other year groups or nursery children.
  • If your school has not received the full expected delivery of book packs for every eligible child by Wednesday 10 November 2010, please contact the Booktime Helpline on 01279 623 096 or email booktimehelpline@pearson.com to order extra books packs, which we will aim to deliver shortly afterwards.

 

What about pupils starting school later in the school year?

Schools should receive enough book packs for all the children who are expected to start school in reception this school year (2010-11).

We ask that teachers store any spare book packs needed for further intakes or for new arrivals during the school year, and give them to new reception children shortly after they first start school.

 

We are an independent school, how do we register for packs?

Booktime aims to give a free book pack to every eligible child (aged 4-5 years) in England this autumn term, including children attending independent, voluntary and private schools.

Independent, voluntary and private schools who have already registered with Booktime will continue to receive book packs. To register your school with Booktime for the first time, please send your school name, address and reception intake number for 2010-11 to Booktime@booktrust.org.uk.

 

Is there another book available for children in reception class / primary 1 with special or additional needs?

Booktime aims to encourage reading for pleasure by providing free book packs for all eligible children, including those with special or additional needs:

We offer a range of additional titles and formats to complement this year’s book packs, tactile and interactive books.

To find out more about and place a request for these titles, and listen to an audio version of this year’s gift book "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," Said the Sloth, please visit our guide to additional titles and formats.

 

What materials are available to support parents and carers with English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL)?

The ‘Reading with your Child' guidance booklet is currently available in 29 community languages. Please visit our resources page for information about how to receive these free booklets.

Our colourful 'Top Tips' poster is also available in a wide range of languages.

For any other general queries about Booktime, please contact Booktime@Booktrust.org.uk