Children's Literacy Support

About ABC to Read (Assisting Berkshire Children to Read)

ABC to read was set up in 2004 and helps hundreds of children each week who struggle to read. ABC to read are a Queens Award and Investing in Volunteers Award charity.

We recruit, train and support volunteers from your local community to act as an ABC reading helper. Schools allocate three children to work with each helper who are struggling to read and lack confidence. Ideally, they will spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, reading, chatting and playing games. They focus on the child's successes and build the child's reading confidence using a range of general literacy resources provided by us. Teachers tell us that this brings benefits in many areas, not just improved literacy.

Each child the school refers spends one hour in total each week with their ABC to read helper. On average ABC reading helpers stay with the same children for three to four terms. This undivided attention pays dividends. Our latest evaluation data shows that on average the children we support showed minimal or no progress in their reading the year prior to receiving support from a reading helper. However once they were working with a reading helper their progress improved by an average approximately 2 sub-levels after three terms' support.

Our unique volunteering approach:
* We can only do the work that we do, and make a big difference to many children's lives, thanks to our amazing volunteers.
* Each one of our volunteer reading mentors works with up to 3 children to support them in building their skills, confidence and motivation.
* They talk and listen; share books; explore various kinds of reading material; play games; make things and draw together.
* We hold the 'Investing in Volunteers' accreditation that ensures our volunteers gain the best volunteering experience.
* The most important thing is that the children feel happy and successful and can start to think of reading as something they enjoy.

What skills do I need?

Must be over 18 and ideally be available for two sessions a week during school hours, term time only.  Have an interest in children and a passion for reading.  Due to the nature of the role and the training involved, volunteers must be able to demonstrate an ability to make a commitment to the charity and they must be able to volunteer independently.

When is this role available?

Details

Ideally volunteers will commit to one and a half hours twice a week during school term time but once a week will be considered.

Where does this role take place?