Join us Become a Beanstalk school Virtual schools We work with several Virtual Schools in England that have recognised the benefits our one-to-one reading support has for vulnerable children. We can also offer training to Foster Carers to help them create readers at home. Why reading? You'll know the clear links between reading attainment and successful future outcomes, however for all children, particularly those who are vulnerable, becoming 'a reader' opens doors to a multitude of benefits beyond academic success. Books can become their constant, help them to better understand their story, and imagine a brighter future. They can help with emotional regulation, empathy and fire curiosity. Our impact Our reading helpers Our reading helpers are trained to listen to, and gently encourage children to find their own reading identity. Their consistent weekly presence gives them a different type of role model. With more than 80% of our volunteers over the age of 55, they are typically retired professionals who bring a range of lived experiences to their role. They are patient, stable and encouraging. Our training and vetting is robust, ensuring that children benefit from someone who can bring out the best in them during their weekly visits to school. What will we do? If you would like to bring reading helpers to children in your Virtual School, we'll work with you to explain the service offered and determine the scale of your needs. Then we'll work together to identify 5-10 primary schools where you have children placed and identify and train suitable reading helpers for those schools. We'll then agree to extend, or keep at that level dependent on your needs and success to date. Register your interest What do we need from you? Communication is key to the programme running successfully. We'll meet with you online to establish expectations and update you as we begin to select reading helpers. We need you to liaise with individual schools to let them know about our service, we'll then pick up logistics directly with school. We'll also sort payment with you, charging £750 per year for each successful placement. This will deliver weekly 30 minute sessions for up to 3 children. Join us! "Our readers are incredibly dedicated to their role and the children they read with. They have provided capacity to support our most vulnerable pupils and are always open to supporting any child to develop in their love of reading, confidence and enjoyment of school. They get to know them individually and the sessions are so important to the children they support."Rachel Gillies, Assistant Principal, ARK Byron Primary Academy Manage Cookie Preferences