2008/2009 is the academic National Year of Reading as set by the Government. Sandwell Education Business Partnership is promoting a reading volunteer programme within the borough linking companies/volunteers to primary schools to support pupils and develop their reading skills. Joanne Corkery is the main co-ordinator between the school and the volunteers.
For your information all activities involving children under 16 years of age are subject to the requirements of the Children’s Act 1998 : ie: CRB check. There will be not cost to the volunteer.
Details are as follows:-
- Initially they are looking for companies/volunteers to commit to 12 weeks; however this can be extended if mutually beneficial
- The volunteer will need to allocate 90 minutes per week to this programme. This includes travel time to and from the school
- The 90 minutes time slot will be agreed mutually to suit the volunteer and the school
- Each volunteer will have two pupils assigned to them and spend 20 minutes with each pupil
- Reading support material will be supplied to the school
- The volunteer will be required to attend a 2 hour training session prior to their first appointment at the school to ensure the volunteer is fully prepared
- A separate agreement will be organised between the school and SEBP and also an agreement will be organised between the volunteer and SEBP to clarify any objectives, understand protocol and ensure there is adequate support for all parties involved.
- We hope to arrange for each pupil to have a personal file at the school which will hold their reading material, a communication resource to pass information from the school to the volunteer if required and also to keep rewards/recognition for effort (ie stickers) to encourage the pupil
Benefits to the volunteer:-
- Supports business corporate responsibility objectives
- Links businesses to local community projects
- Research has shown there is a positive impact on children’s attitude toward reading, develops their confidence and self esteem which can be a positive motivator for the volunteer
If you require any further information, please contact Joanne Corkery directly.
Joanne Corkery - Co-ordinator
Telephone: 07753 838980 Email: jecorkery@blueyonder.co.uk
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