Reading Mentor

ABC to read aims to advance the education and self confidence of children in Berkshire (& also now in Surrey Heath) particularly by helping them overcome reading difficulties thereby promoting their general well being.

We recruit and train volunteers from local communities to give individual mentoring to children in primary schools. Volunteers usually have 3 children assigned to them and visit school twice a week, ideally in the afternoons, spending half an hour individually with each child they support, reading, talking and playing games. The children who most benefit from this type of help are those who receive little or no support at home, children with English as an additional language and shy, unconfident children.

Working with their volunteer for up to a year the children begin to gain confidence as they experience success in these relaxed one-to-one sessions. Volunteers are supported in school by ABC to read staff who visit them regularly. They are provided with a box of books and games to use in school and regular opportunities to exchange them. All volunteers are required to undergo police criminal records checks.

What skills do I need?

To become a volunteer all you need is to:

• Like children
• Enjoy reading and believe in the importance of literacy
• Be patient and adaptable
• Be 18 or over
• Be a UK resident
• Be fluent in English and be a competent reader
• Have 'ideally' 1½ hours twice a week, preferably in the afternoon, and commit to one year.