One story, shared side by sideFree reading support for children aged 6–11
Every child deserves a reading buddy
Free reading programmes help children aged 6–11 catch up and grow in confidence.
Why reading together?
A little time can open a whole new world
volunteer reading buddies sharing time and stories
schools welcoming reading buddies into their community
reading growth measured in last year's report
What your gift can help provide
Choose a one-off or monthly gift to help keep reading support free.
Helps add new picture books to a shared reading shelf.
Helps prepare a reading buddy with useful learning materials.
Helps keep guided reading sessions free for children.
Reading support, made for every child
A free programme
Room to read, practise and grow
One-to-one reading time brings books and a steady reading partner within reach.
Reading buddies who show up
Volunteers share regular reading time with children who are behind at school, helping each session feel welcoming and unrushed.
Explore the volunteer roleProgress worth measuring
Last year's report records measured reading progress, giving our programme a clear focus on children's learning.
See our impact6–11Children supported through free reading programmes
Learning that can be seen
Our approach centres on steady reading practice and measured progress, with the annual report sharing how children are moving forward.
Reading progress starts with connection
Finding a favourite page
A reading buddy makes room for curiosity: take turns, sound out new words and return to the stories a child loves.
A welcoming place to practise
Stories are better shared
Patient, regular reading time helps children build familiarity with books and enjoy learning at their own pace.
Free reading programme
Every new word is a step
Children practise with a one-to-one reading partner while the programme keeps track of reading progress.
Progress measured over time
A community of readers, growing together
Across 14 schools
120
volunteer reading buddies
14
schools in the reading community
6–11
the children our free programme serves
Measured
reading progress reported last year
Last year's report substantiates measured reading progress. Our current public summary highlights the confirmed reach of 120 reading buddies across 14 schools.
Make time for a story
Become a reading buddy
Share regular reading time with a child who needs a little extra support. We welcome volunteers with different backgrounds and provide orientation and practical training before you begin.
What you'll doRead together, encourage practice and make books feel inviting.
Training includedGet an introduction and practical guidance before your sessions.
Meet us in the community
Gather around books, meet reading buddies and help children discover new stories.
Community story hour
Bring the family for a shared story and a relaxed morning with books.
Children's book swap
Pass along a much-loved book and find another story to take home.
Reading buddy welcome
Meet the team, hear about the volunteer role and learn how training begins.
Event formats and recurring dates can be updated by the Trust.