Baroness Cash

Within the framework of the National Curriculum, schools make their own choices about which specific books or other resources they use. Headteachers have autonomy to decide how best to spend the core schools funding that is allocated to them by the department. We encourage schools to promote reading for pleasure and trust the judgements of schools and teachers in their choice of books.

It is for individual schools to decide how best to provide and maintain a library service for their pupils.

​The government’s reading framework also offers non-statutory guidance for teachers and school leaders, including on how to organise their school library, book corner or book stock to make reading accessible and attractive to readers.

This government has committed £12.5 million to provide a library in every primary school in England by the end of this Parliament, alongside £5 million for secondary schools to purchase books and reading material to support reading for pleasure.

The department does not collect data on the number of diversity, equity and inclusion roles in state-funded schools, or the costs associated with such role. While the school workforce census collects data on broad staff categories, it does not capture information on specific functions or responsibilities undertaken by individual employees.