Supporting Young Readers: 5 Reasons to Join Schoolreaders Today
- Diana Buda
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Today is the 1-year anniversary of my first day in the classroom as a reading buddy volunteer. I came across Schoolreaders in a local newspaper in early 2024. I was already thinking about how I could contribute to my community, and reading has always been something I care deeply about. I had no idea there was a serious child literacy crisis in the UK until then. That article inspired me to take action, and I haven’t looked back since.
Who Are Schoolreaders?
Schoolreaders is a UK charity that connects volunteers with primary schools. Volunteers give their time to help children with reading. These one-to-one sessions make a real difference, especially for pupils who need extra support and may not get it elsewhere. In 2024, Schoolreaders have supported more than 27,000 children each week with a one-to-one reading support session.
Why Should You Volunteer?
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn. Yet, in 2024, fewer children are reading for pleasure or doing it regularly. With so many young people at risk of falling behind, volunteering is one simple way to make a big difference. Whether you want to support your community, grow personally, or help children unlock a love for books, your time and care can have a lasting impact.
Here are my top 5 reasons to join:
1. Help Your Local Community
There is something powerful about giving your time locally. When you volunteer with Schoolreaders, you support schools near you and become part of something bigger. It feels good to know you are doing something meaningful where you live.
2. Support a Real Literacy Emergency
In 2024, the National Literacy Trust Reported found that only 1 in 3 children aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time. This was the lowest level since records began in 2005. Even more worrying, just 1 in 5 read daily for pleasure. These drops in reading enjoyment and frequency are linked directly to lower reading skill levels.
Children who enjoy reading or do it daily tend to score higher in reading assessments. That’s why volunteers like you are so important. By showing that reading can be enjoyable, you help close the gap before it grows wider.
3. Grow and Learn as a Volunteer
Volunteering with children teaches you so much. I’ve learnt how to manage tricky moments, how to motivate a child who might not be interested, and how to celebrate the small wins. It’s a great way to build new skills and gain fresh perspectives.
4. Enjoy the Fun of Working with Children
Every session brings a smile. Children are curious, funny, and honest. One day, a pupil decided my shoes were the "wrong colour" and quietly coloured them in red with a marker pen while I was reading. It still makes me laugh.
5. Make a Real Impact
Helping a child enjoy reading and feel proud of their progress is incredibly rewarding. The time you give each week can stay with that child for years. It helps build confidence and opens up doors in school and in life.
How to Become a Volunteer
The process is clear and supportive:
Fill out a short form online
Have a phone interview with Schoolreaders
Wait to be matched with a local school
Visit the school for an informal meeting
Get a DBS check
Complete online and at school safeguarding training
Start your journey as a school volunteer
It can take 1 to 2 months, depending on how quickly schools respond. I started in June 2024 after applying earlier in the year. It might feel overwhelming at first, especially when stepping into a busy school, but the team at Schoolreaders and the school staff are very helpful. Before long, it becomes a rewarding routine. You can find more answers to your questions about volunteering here.
Final Thoughts
Volunteering with Schoolreaders is something I truly recommend. You’ll help children build skills for life, feel more connected to your community, and enjoy moments that are both fun and meaningful.