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  • Reflections on World Book Day

    Reflections on World Book Day

    On World Book Day, Head of Coram Beanstalk Amy Lewis reflects on the mission of the World Book Day charity, 'the reading for fun charity'. Read more

  • The Power of Reading: why I decided to become a Coram Beanstalk reading volunteer

    The Power of Reading: why I decided to become a Coram Beanstalk reading volunteer

    Geraldine Grandidier, the founder and designer of Tidy Books, who create beautiful bookcases for children, joined us as reading helper volunteer last year. Read why she decided to become a volunteer with us here... Read more

  • Why having a Coram Beanstalk reading helper is a gift for teachers

    Why having a Coram Beanstalk reading helper is a gift for teachers

    Ex-teacher and Coram Beanstalk training and resources manager, Rebecca, shares why having Coram Beanstalk reading helpers in your school can be a gift for teachers. Read more

  • Reflections on World Book Day
  • The Power of Reading: why I decided to become a Coram Beanstalk reading volunteer
  • Why having a Coram Beanstalk reading helper is a gift for teachers
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  1. Blog

Blog

Reflections on World Book Day

Reflections on World Book Day

On World Book Day, Head of Coram Beanstalk Amy Lewis reflects on the mission of the World Book Day charity, 'the reading for fun charity'. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 4th March, 2026

Author: Amy Lewis

The Power of Reading: why I decided to become a Coram Beanstalk reading volunteer

The Power of Reading: why I decided to become a Coram Beanstalk reading volunteer

Geraldine Grandidier, the founder and designer of Tidy Books, who create beautiful bookcases for children, joined us as reading helper volunteer last year. Read why she decided to become a volunteer with us here... Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 3rd June, 2025

Updated: 17th June, 2025

Reading YOUR way!

Reading YOUR way!

In celebration of World Book Day, Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk, explores the theme for 2025 of 'Read your Way'... Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 5th March, 2025

Updated: 23rd July, 2025

Author: Amy Lewis

'Focus on the child, not their reading age!'

'Focus on the child, not their reading age!'

At Coram Beanstalk we're often asked how best to support children in specific year groups and sometimes we can find ourselves becoming overly concerned by a child’s reading age or ability and what level books they “should” be reading. Our Learning and Development Manager, Rebecca Pedelty-cox helps unpick the idea of a 'reading age'. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 23rd October, 2023

Updated: 23rd July, 2025

Reading is the bedrock of knowledge and that’s why I work as a reading helper at a primary school in Birmingham.

Reading is the bedrock of knowledge and that’s why I work as a reading helper at a primary school in Birmingham.

Dr Bharti Parmar couldn't read until she was seven years old. Here she tells us how the reasons for that have shaped her volunteering role with us... Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 6th June, 2022

Updated: 23rd July, 2025

As a retired teacher with dyslexia I knew immediately I had to be involved!

As a retired teacher with dyslexia I knew immediately I had to be involved!

One of our recently trained reading helpers talks about why she chose to join our Coram Beanstalk reading community... Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 10th May, 2022

Updated: 8th June, 2022

What will become of you, Rafi?

What will become of you, Rafi?

Reading helper Sarah Deech recently published this blog, lamenting the abrupt end to her reading sessions with Rafi* and has kindly allowed us to republish it here. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 2nd September, 2020

Updated: 10th December, 2021

Missing my reading sessions badly, I was keen to keep connected with Coram Beanstalk online

Missing my reading sessions badly, I was keen to keep connected with Coram Beanstalk online

Steve, a reading helper in Liverpool, found that keeping in touch virtually with Coram Beanstalk and reading online with his grandchildren, helped him cope with lockdown. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 17th August, 2020

Updated: 10th December, 2021

Author: Kate Loynes

I can see my 'Storytime with Very' reading of Tidy has been watched almost 70,000 times!

I can see my 'Storytime with Very' reading of Tidy has been watched almost 70,000 times!

Sara Browne, reading helper and Coram Beanstalk trainer takes us 'behind the scenes' of her Storytime with Very reading of 'Tidy' by Emily Gravett and is amazed to have become a You Tube star. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 28th July, 2020

Updated: 10th December, 2021

Author: Kate Loynes

I have seen just how imaginative, funny, and bright young children can be!

I have seen just how imaginative, funny, and bright young children can be!

Jessie shares the joy of her experience as a reading helper in Liverpool. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 4th June, 2020

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

In my retirement years I can engage in work that really matters

In my retirement years I can engage in work that really matters

Michael is a reading helper in Kent and during the lockdown has written about his time as a volunteer with Coram Beanstalk Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 21st May, 2020

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

A reading breakthrough before lockdown

A reading breakthrough before lockdown

Reading helper Carol describes how much progress her readers had been making before the lockdown. Read more

Posted to: Blog

Published: 7th May, 2020

Updated: 30th April, 2021

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • July 2026

    July 2026

    Our Book of the Month for July is The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy - a beautifully illustrated story that encourages young readers to step outside and find an adventure. This, and the other Beanstalk Brilliant Books we've selected, is perfect for some outdoor adventures this summer...

  • Coram Beanstalk at The Big Lunch

    Coram Beanstalk at The Big Lunch

    Coram Beanstalk reading helpers were celebrated at The Big Lunch during Volunteer's Week in June, with an afternoon tea and some very special guests. Read more here...

  • June 2026

    June 2026

    This month, we’re hosting our next Virtual Author Event for Coram Beanstalk schools with award‑winning author Ben Davis! We’ve chosen his latest book, Postman Planet, as our Book of the Month for June and we've found a range of other Beanstalk Brilliant books featuring post or letters for you to explore...

  • Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE

    Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE

    Michael joined Coram Beanstalk as an Ambassador in November 2017 and continues to be an advocate for our work creating readers for pleasure.

Most read

  • Apply to volunteer

    Apply to volunteer

    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

    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.

  • Where we work

    Where we work

    Coram Beanstalk offers different programmes across the UK. Find out where we work here.

  • The benefits of being a reading helper

    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

    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

    Literacy charities join forces

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

  • Current vacancies

    Current vacancies

    Click here to view our current vacancies.

  • Volunteer agreement

    Volunteer agreement

    Our volunteers represent the charity in the partner schools that we work with. It is a formal role with commitments and expectations from us and you. These are set out in our volunteer agreement and role description here.

  • Training and support

    Training and support

    We know our approach to reading works and love to share this with our volunteers to help them start sessions with confidence, and continue to learn as they get to know the children. Find out how here.

  • Follow our story

  • Become part of a community passionate about reading for pleasure and wellbeing and keep up to date with everything we’re working on.

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Copyright © 2026 Coram Beanstalk. Coram Beanstalk,
Coram Campus, 41 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AZ.

  • Coram Beanstalk is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

  • Registered Charity No. 296454 (England and Wales).

  • Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales No. 2101719.

  • All images are from Coram Beanstalk’s stock image library and are for representation only.

  • Names in case studies have been changed to protect identities. All rights reserved.

Coram Beanstalk is proud to be a lead delivery partner for The National Year of Reading 2026! 
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