Organisation Name:
Schoolreaders
Organisation's Cause(s):
Children / Young People / Families
Education & Learning
Location of voluntary activity:
Schoolreaders is partnered with over 20 York primary schools so locations may vary.
When are volunteers needed: Monday - Friday during school hours
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Education
Role description:
Schoolreaders volunteers are matched with a local primary school and visit once a week in term time for an hour or two. They read individually with children to help improve their reading skills, their comprehension, their enjoyment of reading and also their social skills. Whilst this is a term time opportunity, holidays can be taken in this time.
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
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.
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.
Will there be a DBS check? Yes
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
Ongoing Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
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.
‘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.’
- A volunteer at a North Yorkshire School
How to get involved:
Please visit www.schoolreaders.org to apply or email s.lawrie@schoolreaders.org for more information.
You will then be contacted for an interview either by telephone or in person. On successful completion of this stage we will take information from you regarding your availability, the distance that you can travel and any other personal requirements. These are used to find the 'best fit' of school for you.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 31-12-2026