1 in 10 children in the UK don’t own a book

Cornerstone Nurseries was one of the first local Basingstoke companies to sign up to and achieve BBfG verification. As a key part of the Basingstoke community for over 25 years, Cornerstone Nurseries employs over 90 staff (in Basingstoke) and is committed, not only to providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for its children, but also to making a difference in the local community.

This includes embedding recycling initiatives within the nurseries, providing EDI training for all staff and raising £5,000 for Hampshire Hospitals. In 2025, Cornerstone took this a step further; they started to volunteer their time reading with primary-aged children.

In conjunction with Better Business for Good CIC, the idea of a reading initiative started to develop. A Community Action Project to support the Basingstoke community and empower children to succeed, one story at a time.

Reading Statistics

Research by the National Literacy Trust shows that in 2025 10% of children aged 5-18 don’t have a book of their own. This increases to nearly 16% in children receiving free school meals. 

In Basingstoke, there are several areas that are classified as ‘more deprived’ than most neighbourhoods in England and/or in Basingstoke and Deane. These include areas within Popley, South Ham and Buckskin.

Reading for pleasure and book ownership

Reading for pleasure doesn’t just improve writing skills – it leads to improved wellbeing and confidence, and according to new research can even lead to higher paying jobs. According to the Government website “those proficient in reading and writing in primary school earn £65,000 more over their lifetime”.

In the same National Literacy Trust research, there is a marked difference in reading behaviour between those children who own books and those who don’t. Those with books show more instances of reading daily, enjoying reading and confidence in reading ability. 

With that in mind, Hop into Reading is an inspiring community action project focused on improving literacy outcomes for young people in Basingstoke.

How does it work? The project currently provides volunteers from Cornerstone Nurseries to read with children in primary schools and after-school clubs to spur interest and build confidence.

Where it began

As a nursery that places such emphasis on reading and storytelling, the above stats spurred the Cornerstone team into action. The Hop into Reading initiative fulfils two purposes – helping children improve their reading in schools and after-school clubs, and reigniting reading for pleasure through its book hunts.

Children are reading less

Whereas in the past parents, especially mothers, had more time to volunteer to read at schools, rates in some schools are declining – hence the need for community action groups like Hop into Reading. School reading may also be the only time children are able to practice and improve their skills.

Volunteers from Cornerstone Nurseries were ideal for the pilot because they already work with children, are invested in providing them with a solid foundation, and importantly, are already vetted and enhanced DBS checked – something that is often seen as a challenge for finding reading volunteers.

• Volunteers rotate so that multiple staff members can take part – 12 have taken part so far and feedback has been exceedingly positive
• Volunteers visit schools weekly
• During each visit they listen to approx 12 children
• They typically work with Year R, Year 1 and Year 2 children, where early reading support is most impactful
• Children read individually for around 6-8 minutes each
• This is taking place at Merton Infant School (Popley) and has previously taken place at after-school clubs and holiday clubs, including Isis After School Club

Feedback from volunteers – Danielle & Rabia

“We love doing this – it was an amazing experience to be honest. From the children’s perspective, they were happy to show us how they are reading and they really enjoyed it. They were proud of themselves as well, which gave them more encouragement to read to two complete strangers.

“Some children were reading whole sentences while others were taking the time and sounding out each word, to make sure they were doing the right thing. We sat with them for about 6-8 minutes per child, but I think we could definitely be doing longer with those that are less confident and need more help.

Some of the children attended Cornerstone Nurseries before moving to Merton.

“It was really nice to see how the children came from here and are now progressing somewhere else. They’ve got these new skills and it’s really cool to see them building on the foundation that we worked on with them.”

Book packs hidden across Basingstoke

Hop into Reading also includes book hunts which aim to get books directly into children’s hands. Book packs, comprising a book, information leaflet and toy frog, are hidden around Basingstoke in parks and community spaces. Whoever finds the pack is encouraged to take it home and read together.

This is an ongoing initiative that will need additional funding in the future in terms of securing more toys, books and branding the packs in a clearer way.

• Regions – Popley, Chineham, Oakridge, Kings Furlong, South Ham, Hatch Warren, Basing Woods and the town centre
• Number of packs distributed – 300+

Looking ahead & how funding and support from the business community will enable growth

Hop into Reading shows the difference that local organisations can make when they come together to support our local community. By volunteering their time, Cornerstone staff are helping children in Basingstoke build confidence in their reading while also placing books directly into the community.

With more than 300+ book packs already discovered across Basingstoke and weekly reading sessions taking place in local schools, the community action project is steadily growing its impact.

With additional support from the business community, Hop into Reading aims to reach more schools, in deprived areas, distribute more books and continue inspiring the next generation of readers across the town.

Pending funding, BBfG will develop Hop into Reading into a larger Community Action Project, encouraging more volunteers from the local business community to get involved by utilising their paid CSR/volunteering days.