Nursery World - BBC lobbied on children's radio

A radio network for pre-school and primary age children that would help improve their listening and language skills should replace the BBC Asian Network, according to campaigners.

Research commissioned by Children 2000, one of the organisations that is calling for the network, found widespread support for children's radio among the 2,000 adults surveyed: 23 per cent said a children's service was more important than the BBC's five digital stations, which include 5 Live Extra, R7, 6 Music, Radio 1Xtra and the Asian Network. The next most popular radio station was 5 Live Extra, a sports channel, with 19 per cent of adults choosing it.

A lobbying organisation called the Sound Start group has put forward proposals for a children's network that would feature songs, stories, games, quizzes and music and movement and aim to improve children's listening and language skills. It estimates that a two-year trial of the network, which would be run in partnership with the BBC, would cost £3.6m. It says that the Asian Network's annual service budget is £9.2m.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included