Storytime with Very

We are so proud to be working with our corporate partner, Very UK, to bring you a series of online Storytime sessions, featuring some brilliant books being read by some very familiar faces.

Each week a new story will be available, and each one will also be accompanied by some top tips to help make sharing books fun and engaging!

Dan Snow reads 'Are you the pirate captain?'

Clare Southall, reading helper at St Marie's Catholic Primary School reads 'I love you blue kangaroo'

Sian Welby reads 'Elmer and the rainbow'

Mark Heyes reads 'There's a bear on my chair'

Vogue Williams reads 'Gringer the Whinger'

December 2023

What better choice for our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month for December than the first in this festive series from Mel Taylor-Bessent, 'The Christmas Carrolls'. We've chosen a whole host of winter- and festive-themed favourites this month...
Everything schools need to share our volunteering opportunity
Coram Beanstalk's first BookFest in Liverpool!

This week, Coram Beanstalk's first Liverpool BookFest took place at The Very Group's head office, bringing author sessions with Marie Basting and Mark Powers to Coram Beanstalk partner schools in the North West.
November 2023

This month our #BeanstalkBrilliant Book of the Month is a 60 year old classic - 'Where the Wild Things Are' by Maurice Sendak. We're exploring how classic books can have appeal across the generations and deepen a child's connection with the story...

Apply to become a volunteer with us

Ready to take the first step to becoming a reading helper? Check that you can meet some basic practicalities and fill in our application form here.
Frequently asked questions

You may have some questions in your mind before you fill in your application form. Here are answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered here you can find out how to get in touch with our team.
The benefits of being a reading helper

We know from our volunteers that being a reading helper brings purpose and enjoyment into their lives. Find out more about the benefits of being part of our reading community here.
Our approach

Find out more about how we work and our approach to reading support.
Thank you for applying to be a Coram Beanstalk reading helper
Literacy charities join forces

On 1st November 2017 Reading Matters merged with the national children’s literacy charity Beanstalk.
Current vacancies

Click here to view our current vacancies.
Volunteer agreement

Find out more about how we will do the best we can to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding.
Story Starters training

Our early years programme offers a unique approach to equipping adults in your setting to help children develop all six crucial pre-reading skills plus the communication, concentration and confidence they need to ‘catch the reading bug’. Read more about how our unique programme Story Starters can help you ensure that children start their primary education ready to be taught to read.
Our Trustees

Our Board of Trustees hold decades worth of high-level experience which they use to govern Coram Beanstalk and direct our strategy.