Fathers Reading Every Day: The programme supporting Dads to build bonds through books

13 June 2025

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the Fathers Reading Every Day (FRED) programme - a brilliant initiative that is supported by colleagues at Flying Start that encourages dads and male carers to make reading a part of daily life with their children.

Developed by the Fatherhood Institute, the FRED programme encourages fathers, grandfathers, uncles and other male role models to spend a few minutes each day reading with their child over a four-week period.

Anne Brock is a Flying Start Learning Coach and helps deliver the scheme to families in the Vale: "It has been really lovely meeting the dads and their children who have been involved with the FRED programme so far. Everyone seems to have enjoyed their reading journey, and I look forward to encouraging more dads and children to take part in the programme in the future."

Anne said that the dads she has spoken to as part of the programme have all said that they have enjoyed spending focused time with their child/children. This was some of their feedback:

"It was a good experience and has boosted my confidence. We loved sitting together doing the FRED programme and we still do."

"My daughter loves reading with me and brings me books when I come home from work."

"We are enjoying the time looking at books together."

As a Council we want to give everyone a good start in life and we are committed to providing opportunities for growth and learning – especially for our youngest residents.