Halifax Firm Teams Up With National Literacy Charity to Boost Kids' Reading Skills

Schoolreaders, a national charity dedicated to improving children’s reading skills, has joined forces with a prominent supplier of furnishings, interior fitting, and services to boost staff well-being and aid literacy development in primary schools.

The project group aimed to broaden its ESG initiatives by providing comprehensive and significant assistance to employees operating in high-speed work settings.

Following some research and a referral from someone we know, Project Group joined forces with Schoolreaders , a charitable organization offering complimentary reading assistance to primary schools.

Andrea Ball, who serves as the Group ESG and Social Value Director at Project Group, stated As someone who has volunteered before, I have been able to assist with reading and mentorship programs through my past work experiences, which remains close to my heart. In my role as ESG lead, I was keen on establishing a comparable initiative within Project Group.

Offering literacy assistance to kids holds great importance, and upon discovering that one in every four children in the UK fails to meet the required reading standards before leaving primary school, I was genuinely astonished. Reading serves as a gateway to numerous educational possibilities, and no child ought to face disadvantages because they didn’t receive adequate literacy help.

Initiatives such as those undertaken by Schoolreaders are essential for aiding children and improving their academic achievements, significantly contributing to the development of future talent. Therefore, I was keen for Project Group to participate in this important endeavour.

In 2024, over fifty percent of children and youngsters stated that they do not enjoy reading in their free time, the lowest figures since 2005.

A major factor behind children failing to learn how to read is the lack of individualized reading sessions with an adult.

Schoolreaders pairs up volunteers with nearby primary schools and facilitates more than 33,000 weekly reading classes across England, linking volunteers directly with these educational institutions.

Through collaboration with Schoolreaders, four members of the Project Group have been paired with nearby schools, with some being just two miles away from their workplace. These volunteers support two classes per week, helping up to twelve Year 5 and 6 students with their reading skills.

Up until now, the members of the Project Group have discovered that participating in this programme enables them to temporarily step outside their regular daily routines for several hours at a time, offering an opportunity to refresh themselves. The team has shared positive feedback about enhanced well-being and psychological health, describing these school visits as 'enriching' and 'fulfilling'.

Julie Davies, the Group HR Operations Manager at Project Group, stated: I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Schoolreader and particularly appreciate the opportunity to form connections with the students I assist. Interacting with the children brings joy and provides a great balance to life by offering a break from the usual daily regimen.

I would urge other enterprises to engage with Schoolreaders, even if initially it forms just a component of their wellness initiatives. It undoubtedly has its niche, and organisations stand to benefit greatly—enhancing well-being, fostering skill development, among others. This is precisely why our board members also wholeheartedly support this initiative.

Staff effectively handled their tasks whilst still being able to assist colleagues. This initiative has enabled employees to develop a clearer view of their responsibilities, promoting improved work-life harmony along with a heightened feeling of independence.

Equally, the local schools, and the students involved, have benefitted from having additional reading resource.

Sara Cockroft, Joint Headteacher at Beech Hill Primary School, stated: “When we looked at the end of last year where we’d had support from volunteers over that previous year, the children who had received support from Schoolreaders volunteers, had made more than the expected progress.

Schoolreaders develop fantastic connections with pupils, which is highly valued here at our institution. The kids genuinely appreciate these moments, and their enjoyment alone makes it worthwhile, regardless of whether they were showing remarkable advancement.

A Year 5 Student, who Julie reads with, said: “I’ve been reading with Julie for a couple of months. I really enjoy it. I like that she asks me questions about the chapter I’m reading. We do quizzes on books after we’ve read them, and it really helps me understand.”

A second student from Year 5, whom Julie reads with, commented: I appreciate that when I make mistakes, Julie corrects me and assists in my learning. Without reading, I would feel down as I'd have a harder time with difficult words – plus, reading improves my spelling.

The research conducted by Schoolreaders indicates that 94% of children experienced enhanced reading confidence after participating in volunteer-led reading sessions, and 72% found value in interacting with a supportive mentor.

Project Group’s story is a shining example of how volunteering can enrich a company, improve employee wellbeing and support the community.

Should your enterprise be interested in participating in such an initiative, we encourage you to find out more and reach out for further information via the provided link. https://www.schoolreaders.org/corporate-support