Children’s literacy charity Schoolreaders is looking for volunteers who can help spread the joy of reading to children in primary schools in Lincolnshire.
Every year, one in four children leaves primary school unable to read to the expected standard.
Schoolreaders recruits volunteers to listen to children read in primary schools, focusing on schools where children require the most support. Volunteers are asked to listen to children read once a week in term time and to commit to an academic year.
95% of children supported by a Schoolreaders volunteer improve their reading age. Partner schools also reported that volunteers had a positive impact on pupils with 95% improving their reading confidence and 87% their reading enjoyment. Additionally, children benefit enormously from the volunteers as positive role models in the classroom.
Sheena, retired, and a Schoolreaders volunteer, explains her experience. “For me, establishing a rapport with each child and recognising their uniqueness by making the sessions relevant and fun is what counts, and the earlier we can do this the better.
“Reading skills and developing a love of books from the earliest age will hopefully aid children to become confident, interested and engaged readers who read for pleasure.”
To find out more about Schoolreaders visit www.schoolreaders.org. By applying now new volunteers will be matched as quickly as possible to a partner school and be ready to start once they have completed a mandatory DBS check and virtual safeguarding training.