Make a difference and become a Schoolreaders Volunteer! Spend just 1–2 hours a week in a local primary school, helping children develop their reading skills and confidence by listening to them read. It’s a rewarding way to support literacy and inspire a love of books.
Inspire a love of reading—become a Schoolreaders volunteer!
Give just an hour or two each week during term time to support children in a local primary school. You’ll be matched with a nearby school and work one-on-one with pupils, helping them improve their reading skills, comprehension, confidence, and social interaction.
It’s a flexible and rewarding role—volunteers can take holidays during term time too!
No qualifications or experience required. Schoolreaders volunteers do need to be able to speak, write and read fluently in English, enjoy spending time with children, be committed to the role and dependable.
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 and willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which is paid for by the school.
We ask that our volunteers are prepared to attend school at the agreed time on the same day once a week for at least 1 hour, and stay with us for at least one full academic year from when you start in school.
Unfortunately we are unable to reimburse travel expenses. We will always try to match volunteers with a nearby school.
This is good for wellbeing because
- We get regular feedback from our Schoolreaders volunteers and their comments overwhelmingly show how much they are enjoying the experience. Many describe their school visits as the highlight of their week and comment on how satisfying it is to see the positive impact that a little of their time has on the children.
- Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress, boost happiness, and foster a sense of purpose, making it an important activity for overall well-being.
- Reading for pleasure has huge benefits for the children involved too. Reading for pleasure can significantly improve children’s well-being, and those who read regularly report higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress.
I look forward to going to School every week and the children always greet me enthusiastically and are very friendly towards me, as are the Staff. It is very rewarding knowing that I am playing a small part towards helping the children and makes me feel that my contributions are valued and important.
