Make a difference to a child's life - join our literacy volunteers
Volunteers on our literacy programme support children with their reading and literacy development in schools and after-school clubs in East Leeds (Harehills, Gipton, Burmantofts & Lincoln Green) and South Leeds (Beeston & Holbeck).
0113 380 6533 gail@learning
partnerships.org.uk
Our volunteers come from local businesses and the community and all participate in a training session and undergo a Criminal Bureau Record Enhanced Disclosure before beginning in schools and after-school clubs. The training covers practical support on reading with children, how to share books, phonics, how literacy is taught in schools, child protection and other related issues.
The support the children receive from the volunteers is invaluable to their development. The individual attention develops the children’s reading ability, speaking & listening skills, self-esteem and confidence.
School Readers and Let's Learn After School Clubs
School Readers
Volunteers support children’s reading on a weekly basis (same day & same time each week, usually 1-2pm). During the hour, volunteers work with 3 or 4 children on an individual basis, spending 15-20 minutes with each child. The time is spent reading and talking about the book and general discussion.
Wherever possible, volunteers read with the same children every week so that a positive relationship can develop.
The reading sessions take place in school, usually a classroom or the library or another suitable area. This varies from school to school depending on the space available.
Let's Learn After School Clubs
The clubs are run in school by an appointed co-ordinator which is usually a member of the school teaching support staff. The co-ordinator plans the activities for the club based on developing the children’s literacy skills and the volunteers work alongside the children supporting them with the activities. The children also participate in individual reading sessions and have the opportunity to play literacy-based games.
Most of the clubs take place directly after-school starting around 3pm for abut an hour. We also run an evening club at Ingram Road Primary School in Beeston on Thursdays 5.30-7pm.
What Our Volunteers Say...
- "Volunteering has given me a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment. The children thrive on the individual attention." Brian Stone, volunteer at
Wykebeck Primary School - "It’s been brilliant so far, it’s a really fun school with a nice atmosphere, and the kids are so funny!" Caroline Soulsby, volunteer at
Woodlands Primary School - "I like having the chance to give something to local community and seeing how well the children come along with their reading." Nick Nutter, volunteer at
St Peter's C of E Primary School. - "It’s great to engage with the children and they really do benefit from the extra support." Martin Jones, volunteer at
New Bewerley Primary School.
And the children...
- "Thank you for letting me read to you and for listening to me and for helping me with hard words. Also for helping me choose a book to read. I really enjoyed it on Wednesdays afternoons."
- "Daniel is fun to read with because he helps you when you get stuck. He makes us all laugh and when we are sad he cheers us up. He is never in a bad mood, he is always happy to see us and we are always happy to see him too. I am glad he chose me."
- "I like reading with Vicki because she is kind and friendly. She is helpful and talks to me about the story. I get to read lots more books. She lets me pick them. She is funny and is always happy. She makes me happy too. She is nice to read with and talk to when you are down."
- "I like because it is nice to have someone to read to!"
Sponsor Us
Learning Partnerships relies heavily on local support and there are many ways in which you can donate directly to us: