Be a Literacy Volunteer 1-1 Reading Helper in a local Primary School

PLEASE NOTE WE WORK IN SCHOOLS IN NOTTINGHAM CITY AND COUNTY AND EREWASH AND AMBER VALLEY IN DERBYSHIRE ONLY

Literacy Volunteers really make a difference. They support primary school children one to one with their reading and communication skills, helping and inspiring children to love books and to open the doors for life-long achievement. We specifically aim to promote reading for pleasure, as we know that children who enjoy reading for pleasure are four times more likely to read at the expected level for their age. 

With a Volunteer’s guidance in a primary school setting, the children they work with weekly will be supported in their reading and communication skills.  Sessions are designed to be interesting and interactive and children will be given a choice of reading materials and activities by their Volunteer. Through this work with a Literacy Volunteer, children learn to enjoy books, read for pleasure and realise that reading and literacy is fun.

You will be school-based and part of a volunteering workforce that is transforming children's lives.

As a Volunteer you will attend school once a week for the same morning or afternoon each week. You will usually work with the same 4/5 children each week, for half an hour each for at least a term. The children chosen by the school may be behind with their reading, not having much practice at home, have poor conversation skills and/or be lacking in confidence.

You will read, talk, play games – board games, word-based educational games, paper and pencil games, crosswords, word searches – and have a fun with your selected children. 

You work away from the classroom, on a one to one basis and give the children confidence and help them enjoy reading and communicating.

You will be placed in a school as close to your home as possible – travel expenses are paid if you need these to enable you to volunteer. 

You will be supplied with your own resources (books, games and puzzle sheets) in school. 

You will be required to complete a small amount of paperwork (e.g. keeping records of your sessions) while at school.

You will have a Volunteer/Schools Co-ordinator who will support you.

You will have a box of resources in school to use with the children you help.

You will be required to complete our training and complete our vetting process which includes an Enhanced DBS before you start in school.

We are not in every school but aim to be, schools choose to have our service and pay a subscription towards the cost.

What skills do I need?

You will need to enjoy working with children, enjoy reading, be flexible and reliable, and be a good listener.

You will need to be patient and encouraging and be able to with children at their own pace.

Good level of English equivalent to a Level One Basic Skills in Literacy

Able to commit to the volunteering role for at least a year

When do I need to be available?

Details

As a Volunteer you will attend school once a week for the same morning or afternoon each week during school term time. You will need to commit for at least a year from when you start your volunteering role.

Where does this role take place?