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Coram Beanstalk has been creating readers since 1973. If you would like to keep up to date with everything we are doing to celebrate our 50th anniversary and follow our continuing story, sign up to receive our termly newsletter below.

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Latest

Coram Beanstalk attends premiere of new animated Kensuke's Kingdom film

Coram Beanstalk was thrilled to be invited to the premiere of the new animated film of Michael Morpurgo's 'Kensuke's Kingdom' last weekend. Read more here...
Coram Beanstalk shares six ways to help children choose reading this summer

Ahead of the start of the school summer holidays, Coram Beanstalk has today published tips for parents to help children choose reading throughout the summer and beyond. The campaign is supported by parenting expert and coach Sue Atkins, who also volunteers as a Coram Beanstalk reading helper. Read more here...
Coram Beanstalk reading helper wins 'Volunteer of the Year 2024' in Kent

Long-standing Coram Beanstalk reading helper, Anne Salmon has been named as Volunteer of the Year in the Kent Teacher Awards 2024, organised by Social Enterprise Kent. Anne who has volunteered with us for 10 years was presented with the Maidstone District Volunteer of the Year 2024 award at a glittering ceremony at Ashford International Hotel.
July 2024

As we step into summer, we have chosen some fantastical and funny fairy tales for our July theme of fairy tales with a twist - and what better choice for our #BeanstalkBrilliantBook of the month than 'Bibi and the Box of Fairy Tales' by Vivian French, illustrated by Amy Grimes. Find out more here...

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.
How we train and support our volunteers

Find out how we help our volunteers to become confident in delivering the Coram Beanstalk approach and feel connected, and supported, within our reading community.
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.