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We've had a great time working with Brent Council on a project exploring how artist-led creative storytelling can help bring the benefits of early years reading to children under two. The project, funded by @artscouncilengland.bsky.social, found that creative storytelling has some real potential👇

1. Including live music, sound effects, movement, puppets, and sensory play in storytelling was engaging for children and families. Parents and carers described the sessions as “creative” and “fun” and it supported participation among families who speak English as an additional language.

2. Families felt more confident to share books and be creative at home. The project successfully gave families practical ideas they could use to help nurture their child’s creativity and relationship with stories at home.

3. High-quality book ownership extended the impact of the storytelling sessions. The artists used books expertly selected by BookTrust as the basis for planning their storytelling. Families received copies of the books to take home and consistently said this was a positive experience for them.

4. Practitioners gained confidence and new approaches to storytelling. The pilot supported 20 library and early years practitioners through training and shared learning opportunities delivered by the artists – and they later described feeling more confident and more able to be creative.

5. Stronger partnerships created a lasting legacy. The project brought together libraries, family hubs, creative practitioners and cultural partners around a shared goal of exploring the impact of creative storytelling for children aged 0-2 - including some new, ongoing partnerships.

“Sometimes I struggle reading with my daughter," said one mum. "But here, I can get an idea of how I can sit with her and read a story." Another added: "My son was really going for it and getting involved... We’ll definitely be coming again. We wish it was on longer. We’d come every week.”