Volunteers needed to listen to children read in primary schools

Schoolreaders is a national charity which helps to improve children’s literacy by providing volunteers to listen to children read in primary schools on a one-to-one basis. Schoolreaders mission is provide every child with the opportunity to learn to read well and in so doing, increase their future life-chances. Over the past decade, Schoolreaders volunteers have provided more than 2 million one-to-one reading sessions, to over 80,000 children.

The support Schoolreaders offers has never been more needed, as statistics reveal that 1 in 4 children leave primary school without reaching the expected reading standard, which means they cannot fully access their secondary education, which will limit their future opportunities. There is therefore an urgent need for more volunteers to make a difference.

Schoolreaders volunteers commit to spending a minimum of one hour per week for a year during term time listening to children read in primary school. The impact of this commitment is measurable: 81 per cent of children supported by our volunteers showed improvement in their reading fluency, 91 per cent displayed a boost in reading confidence, and 84 per cent were found to take greater enjoyment in reading.

Our dedicated volunteers also serve as mentors and role models within the school community.

Juliet, a Headteacher at a Schoolreader partner school said:

“Schoolreader volunteers offer the children quality time with reading… they are more than just a volunteer and have a unique role. They are someone the children have a relationship with, perhaps from a different generation. They are another adult, not their teacher, not their parent/carer, who children can enjoy the experience of reading with in a really positive way and can share thoughts and ideas.”

Peter, a volunteer and Schoolreaders Ambassador, shared his experience in school:

“I, like many other Schoolreaders volunteers, could share a great many heart-warming stories. From the boy who for over a year had really struggled, then one day was comprehending sentences and asking questions about the book, to the girl who not only reads the stories, but gives each character a different voice. I always return home from school with a spring in my step!”

To learn more about Schoolreaders and how you can get involved, visit: www.schoolreaders.org

Apply now to become a volunteer and help to change a child’s life-story. Volunteers will be matched with a primary school in their area. No qualifications are necessary, just a good level of English. All volunteers will undertake a mandatory enhanced DBS check and safeguarding training.

Join us in spreading the joy of reading and building brighter futures for the children of Derbyshire. Together, we can make a lasting impact on children, families, and communities.