An initiative has been launched to encourage more parents to read to their newborn babies.
The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Social Security have teamed up with the Rotary Club of Ramsey to raise awareness of the importance of encouraging communications skills at an early age.
The first 1,000 babies born after the initiative’s launch today (Tuesday 21st July) will receive an eye-catching and colourful T-shirt bearing the slogan ‘Read to Me’, donated by the Rotary Club of Ramsey.
Paul Kinnin, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Ramsey’s Youth Opportunities Committee, explained ‘As the promotion of literacy is a priority for Rotary International, my committee decided to publicise the importance of reading to children from birth by supplying parents with infant-sized T-shirts with the slogan Read to Me.
'We raised the funds through a Rotary District Grant, a duck dash held on 5th July as part of Ramsey National Week and a coffee morning held in association with Ramsey Inner Wheel.’
Jayne Adamson, Early Years Adviser for the Department of Education, said ‘Talking and listening to babies from birth helps them develop good language and communications skills which, as they grow, enables them to express themselves, listen, learn, read, write and socialise better.
‘It also helps children to feel valued, builds their confidence and helps parents and children to bond.’
Jane Sloane, Head of Midwifery at the Jane Crookall Maternity Wing, said ‘Babies learn from the moment of their birth and if parents read to their children from this young age, it may give them a literacy head start in life.
‘Reading to your baby ensures that you take dedicated time out and this helps with bonding and attachment, too.’
Barbara Scott, Manager of Noble’s Hospital, said ‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Department of Education and Ramsey Rotary Club on this important project.’
Education Minister Anne Craine MHK, a Ramsey MHK, commented ‘This fun initiative will have numerous benefits for babies, not least the very simple bonus of bonding through paying focused attention to the baby.
'Communication is the key to a child’s development and this scheme reminds us of the importance of reading to and talking and playing with babies.
'It is never too early to introduce the joy of books to children and I am grateful to the Rotary Club of Ramsey for funding this initiative and to the DHSS for joining the DoE in promoting it.’
For more information about the initiative, please contact Mr Kinnin on 01624 811311, Mrs Adamson on 01624 685353 or Mrs Sloane on 01624 650280.
Pictured (l-r): Simon Watson, President of the Rotary Club of Ramsey; Anne Craine MHK, Education Minister; Richard and Jo Quirk, of Kirk Michael, with their son Maccus, who was born yesterday (Monday) morning and is a brother for 15 month-old Cassidy; Jane Sloane, Head of Midwifery at the Jane Crookall Maternity Wing; and Paul Kinnin, Chairman of the Rotary Club of Ramsey’s Youth Opportunities Committee.
