Literacy Volunteers

We are a small, independent charity established 26 years ago in Nottinghamshire. We work with schools and in Early Years, with a large Volunteer base who help children overcome literacy challenges and develop a love of reading, and by supporting families with young children to engage in early literacy and storytelling.  Our trained and supported volunteers spend half a day a week in primary schools, helping children 1-1 outside the classroom for up to 30 minutes and for a minimum of a term.  During their sessions they build a positive, supportive relationship by chatting, reading and playing games.  Not only does the child's literacy improve but they grow in confidence and this has a positive impact so that they start to achieve their potential. Our Early Years team run sessions in Small Steps Big Changes areas of Nottingham City in 2 libraries for under fives and their family.  In the session a story is shared along with craft activities and songs linking to the book and the parent/carers are supported to interact and help their children.  The outcome of such sessions help to develop children's language, vocabulary, understanding as well as skills to help them when they go to school for example sitting listening, being focused as well as social skills.