CompletedInterventional

Pilot randomised controlled trial of a shared reading programme to support relationships between children in care and their carers

This study, called "Story Explorers", is testing a special reading programme designed for foster families and children aged 2 to 4 years old. Children in care often face challenges with their emotional wellbeing and forming secure attachments. The programme uses fun, interactive reading activities, hoping to help carers understand children's feelings better and strengthen their connection. Families will be put into two groups: one starts the programme right away, the other later. Carers will complete online questionnaires and interviews about their reading habits and relationship with the child. This research aims to discover if the programme helps children feel more secure and improves family bonds, with very few risks involved.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

BookTrust

Enrolment target

Start

22 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2025

attachment difficulties and emotional wellbeing challenges in children in care

What is this study about?

This study is called "Story Explorers" and it's trying out a new reading programme for foster families. We know that children in care sometimes find it hard to form strong bonds and feel secure, which can affect their emotional wellbeing. The Story Explorers programme uses fun and interactive reading activities to help both the children and their foster carers. Researchers want to see if this programme can help carers understand children's feelings and thoughts better, and if it makes children feel more secure and attached.

Taking part in this study means you'd be helping experts understand the best ways to support children in care and their foster families. It's a 'pilot' study, which means it's testing if the programme works well before it's used more widely. Your involvement could help many other families in the future.

This study is open to foster families nationwide in the UK with children aged between 2 and 4 years old. All activities, including questionnaires and interviews, will be done online from your own home, making it easy to participate.

Key takeaways

This study explores if a new reading programme helps foster families.
It aims to strengthen bonds and improve emotional wellbeing for children aged 2-4.
Participation involves online questionnaires and interviews from your home.
Possible benefits include stronger family connections and happier reading times.
Risks are very low, mainly time commitment and data privacy.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for foster families to take part. For the adults, you need to be a foster carer and have a child currently in your care.

For the child, they need to be in foster care and be between 2 and 4 years old. The fostering agency also needs to confirm that they are suitable for this kind of reading programme.

Unfortunately, if your child is younger than 2 or older than 4, or if they are expected to be in your care for less than six months, you won't be able to take part in this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a foster carer?
Do you currently have a child in your care?
Is the child in your care aged between 2 and 4 years old?
Is the child expected to be in your care for at least six months?
Have you asked your fostering agency if this programme is suitable for the child?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, your family will be put into one of two groups by chance – like flipping a coin. One group will start the Story Explorers reading programme straight away. The other group will have access to the programme a little later.

Before you start and again after about six months, you'll be asked to fill in some short online questionnaires about your reading habits and your relationship with the child. You'll also have an online interview, lasting about an hour, where you can talk about how you think about and discuss the child's feelings. Some families might be asked to complete a few extra questionnaires about the child's behaviour and feelings. All of these activities can be done from your home at times that suit you.

Potential risks and benefits

There are several possible benefits to taking part. You might find new, fun ways to read and spend quality time with the child, which could help them express their emotions and feel more confident. Many families find it strengthens the bond between carers and children, and carers often feel more supported when reading together. The risks are very low; the main concerns are keeping your personal information safe and the time commitment involved. The researchers have taken steps to protect your data and make it as easy as possible to take part. Remember, you have the right to pause or stop your involvement at any time if you feel it's not right for you.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

BookTrust
City only
Leeds, England
National Fostering Group
Unverified
Bolton NO COUNTRY SPECIFIED, assuming England, England

Common questions

What is the Story Explorers programme?

It's a fun reading programme that uses interactive activities to help foster parents and children build stronger relationships and improve children's emotional wellbeing.

How long does the study last?

The study runs from October 2025 to April 2026, and your direct involvement, including interviews, will involve two main check-ins about six months apart.

Do I have to go anywhere for the study?

No, all parts of the study, including online questionnaires and interviews, can be done from your own home.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by BookTrust, a UK charity that promotes reading.

What if I change my mind after joining?

You are free to pause or completely stop your participation in the study at any time without giving a reason.

How to find out more

Arwenna Davis

arwenna.davis@booktrust.org.uk +44 1134570026 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.