Business in the Community

This registered charity offers  a number of practical ways for businesses to work together and take action to help tackle some of the key issues facing society

The ‘Read To Right’ Programme has helped improve pupils’ Literacy skills whilst providing a uniquely rewarding development opportunity for the Lloyds/TSB Bank and Siemens solutions business teams.

‘Right To Read’ is part of ‘Business in the Community’s Care’ programme, which connects company employees to communities through a range of volunteering opportunities. Volunteers visit primary schools to help children with their reading. As well as trying to improve the reading age of the child, the scheme also aims to develop a love of reading and increase confidence and self- esteem.

What does it involve?

Volunteers from businesses commit to read with up to three individual children within an hour once a week for a minimum of one academic term (12 weeks).

Shanklea Primary School has identified which children are most likely to benefit from the support and attention. Together the school and the volunteers have arranged a mutually convenient time for the reading sessions to take place.

All the volunteers have attended a basic training session with Business in the Community and also have a preliminary meeting to familiarise them with the school and meet the members of teaching staff.

All volunteers undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will produce their Disclosure certificates on their first visit to the school for volunteering.

Shanklea Primary School also has a responsibility to ensure the success of the scheme. The scheme is targeted at 7-11 year olds (Keystage 2) to ensure that those who may not be fulfilling their potential, or would benefit from additional support or confidence boosting.

Class teachers will choose the most suitable children for the scheme, allowing up to 3 children per volunteer with a 15-20 minute session per child.

On a practical level, the school has arranged a suitable space for the sessions to take place and ensure that all staff know who the volunteers are and expect them each week.