Opportunity

We train and support community volunteers, young people and caregivers to give children something powerful: Time, connection and joy. A shared love of books and the opportunity to dream.

Every week, our volunteers sit with the same children, building relationships that go far beyond the pages of a book. They follow the child’s pace, share laughter, listen deeply, and create a space where children choose reading and build essential skills for a brighter future. 

Our community volunteers are often, but not always, early retirees – active, interested, and ready to give back. They find purpose and community in helping children grow in confidence and ability. And they’re never doing it alone – with expert training, ongoing support, and a strong community behind them, they feel equipped and valued from day one.

Reading Helper - Primary School

Reading Helper\'s are adult volunteers living or working within a 5 mile radius of a school that has asked for our help. You need to commit to at least an afternoon a week for a whole year during term-time, and as we invest in your training we\'d appreciate it if you could stay longer.

The role isn\'t about listening to children read, but creating a relaxed session that allows children to work alongside you to discover the joy of books. We provide full training and ongoing support. There are a few things we need to be sure you\'re ok with before you apply. Can you answer \'yes\' to the following questions?

What skills do I need?

Patience, sense of humour, reliability, proactive

Are you able to:

Be open to learning and delivering our approach to help children become readers?

Give your ongoing commitment and dedication to the charity and the children we support for at least a year?

Travel to one of our partner primary schools for a few hours each week during their afternoon sessions?

Use a PC/laptop/tablet to access our interactive, live training sessions via Zoom?

Supply appropriate ID documents and complete a Digital ID check?

Use email* to receive and respond to communications from us?

*If you do apply please check your spam/junk email folders as we get sad when we end up in there and you feel we\'ve not answered you!

Details

• Certificate of public and employers liability that covers young people in all their activities with you
• Child protection policy
• Complaints Policy and procedures
• Confidentiality Policy
• DBS Policy for staff and volunteers
• Diversity Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Ex-offenders Policy
• Expenses Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
• Regular Risk assessments of the work environment
• Safeguarding
• Volunteer Task/Role description
• Volunteering Policy & Agreements
• Vulnerable Adults Policy

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