Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has welcomed a move to confirm funding for a reading initiative encouraging parents to read with their babies and young children.

Mr Lyttle, Chair of the Assembly’s Education Committee, was speaking after Peter Weir confirmed the Department of Education would part-fund the Booktrust charity’s Bookstart programme. The East Belfast MLA said he was glad the Minister backed the case made by the Committee on the issue.

“The Bookstart programme provides parents with a vital outlet contributing to the early years education of their children and therefore I welcome this news,” he said.

“The Education Committee made a strong case to the Minister regarding the funding of this excellent programme and he has clearly listened.

“Many families face trouble accessing educational support throughout the year but particularly in the middle of this crisis. The reinstatement of this funding by the Department is a positive step towards redressing that balance.”