Children’s literacy charity Schoolreaders is urgently looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can help spread the joy of reading to children in Suffolk primary schools especially around Felixstowe.

The much-needed charity recruits volunteers to listen to children read weekly in primary schools, focusing on schools with the greatest need. 

Every year 1 in 4 children leave primary school unable to read well which can have life-long consequences. Furthermore, government statistics show it is the youngest and most disadvantaged children who have been set back the most in reading following the disruption to education caused by the Covid pandemic. 

Schoolreaders volunteers act as positive role models, not only helping children improve their reading age but also their reading fluency, enjoyment and comprehension.

Antonia, retired, and a Schoolreaders volunteer, explains her experience, “Being a Schoolreaders volunteer has exceeded my expectations and is one of the best parts of my week. I can see the difference the reading makes to the children particularly in their punctuation. Being able to read is the greatest gift you can give a child. They can go on to cook, build a rocket or run the country.”

Find out more about becoming a Schoolreaders volunteer at www.schoolreaders.org