A CAMPAIGN encouraging parents to include reading, writing and numeracy in everyday activities has been expanded to children in primaries four to seven.

Read, Write, Count kits containing books, writing materials and numeracy resources such as dice and playing cards will be distributed to older pupils in primary schools this autumn.

The kits will help parents and carers introduce reading, writing and maths into simple, routine activities such as using cook books and measuring equipment together at home or doing distance challenges with pedometers, to help children strengthen their skills and build their confidence in literacy and numeracy.

Announcing the expansion, Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “We already provide support to encourage parents to develop literacy and numeracy skills – for babies through Bookbug, for toddlers through PlayTalkRead and children in primary one to three through Read, Write, Count – so I am delighted that we are expanding the scope of this support to include children right from birth to secondary school age.

“We know the positive impact that parental involvement and engagement has on children’s achievement, which is why it plays such a prominent role in our plans to improve attainment and close the equity gap.

“The numeracy resources within these kits will support our drive to make Scotland more positive in its attitude towards numeracy and help parents and families get involved too.”

Read, Write, Count was launched in 2015 to give practical support to parents and carers of primaries one to three children to help them get involved in their child’s learning, particularly in literacy and numeracy.

The kits for pupils in primaries four to seven have been developed by the Scottish Book Trust and Education Scotland.