Schoolreaders, a national charity dedicated to improving children’s literacy, is seeking volunteers to provide vital reading support to primary school children.

One hour a week: Schoolreaders has shown that its volunteers can make a real difference

One-quarter of children are leaving primary school each year unable to read to the expected standard. This means they cannot fully access their secondary education, which will have life-long consequences. By placing reading volunteers into primary schools, children can explore books and increase their life chances with a reliable, dependable adult.

Schoolreaders recruits, places and supports volunteers into primary schools to provide regular reading support, at no cost to the school. “In order to do this, we need the support of potential volunteers to ensure every child has the opportunity to read with an adult each week,” the charity says.

Since the charity’s formation 10 years ago, Schoolreaders has provided dedicated volunteers to primary schools ensuring that children will receive one-on-one reading time with an adult each week. The 2,600 volunteers play a crucial role in helping children improve their literacy, boosting their confidence, increasing their love of reading, and preparing them for a lifetime of learning.

Importantly, Schoolreaders’ service is provided to schools at no cost, ensuring that every child, regardless of their school’s financial status, has access to this vital support. The charity’s success is proven, and Schoolreaders volunteers are now deployed in more than 1,300 schools across the country.

The need for Schoolreaders volunteers has never been greater.

There are more than 27,000 children receiving one-to-one reading support from a Schoolreaders volunteer each week in term time. Schoolreaders wants toincrease that number. “By dedicating just an hour a week, volunteers can make a significant impact on a child’s reading ability, boosting their confidence and lighting the path to a brighter future.”

Schoolreaders matches volunteers with local schools based on their location and availability. The commitment is just one hour a week during term time for a year, making it an ideal opportunity for retirees, those who work part-time or flexibly, and anyone with a good grasp of English and a little time to spare.

Find out more and apply to become a volunteer at www.Schoolreaders.org/volunteer

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