Reading Scheme in Primary Schools

Reading schemes provide a vital support mechanism to young children and help to improve their overall reading ability. We are working with our local primary school, St Alban’s C of E and have developed lunchtime volunteering opportunities for our staff to help children aged 6-10yrs with their reading on a weekly basis. This is a rewarding experience, not only for the children but for the volunteers too, whilst also enabling our staff to learn new skills.

The six children involved in the scheme range from the ages of 6-10 and each have different reading abilities; for some of them English is their second language. Most of these children have been waiting a few years to be paired with reading scheme partners so get very excited about their session each week. Our volunteers have enjoyed being able to help their assigned child grow and develop with their reading and know they are making a huge difference as some of these children do not get the opportunity to read at home as their parents are not English speaking.

To enhance our commitment to our local primary school whilst also developing our reading scheme, for the summer term we are running a new scheme with the Year 6 pupils who are on our reading scheme. We have designed and are delivering a transitional programme, which prepares the children for the change from primary school to secondary school.  We use role-play activities to support their learning and development which also aims to build their confidence. 

“After taking over the role of project leader for the reading scheme earlier in the year, I feel that I have really benefited from this project and that other reading scheme volunteers have too. In my case, leading the project has increased my confidence as a person and made me more capable of responsibility as a personal assistant.’’

Reading Scheme - Project leader