Building connection, confidence and curiosity through one-to-one reading support

Helping children find their voice through reading

At one of our partner schools in Lambeth, the challenges children face are significant. Nearly half of pupils speak English as an additional language and 57% are eligible for free school meals. Many have only recently arrived in the UK – and for some, it’s their first experience of school.

Some children ​“possibly haven’t even attended school in their country of origin,” explains Gill, the school’s Deputy Head. ​“They are hugely behind on their reading – often two, three or even four years below their year group’s standard – and aren’t reading books at home, even in their [first] language.”

This picture is not unique. Across England, over 1.8 million children speak a first language other than English (1). For those who join the English school system in the final years of primary school, the literacy gap can be wide: studies show these children were nearly 10 months behind their peers who speak English as a first language by the end of primary school (2).

That’s where our One-to-one Reading Programme comes in. Our amazing reading volunteers spend an hour a week reading one-on-one with children who need extra literacy help. These sessions build confidence, reading fluency and a love of stories.

Unlocking language and confidence through reading support

For this Lambeth school, our One-to-one Reading Programme is not just helpful – it’s essential. The weekly hour of reading is ​“more than many children in my school get in their weekly routine, whether inside or outside school,” says Gill. ​“It’s a huge, huge bonus for their acquisition of English and reading.”

With the dedicated time and encouragement of our volunteers, each child gets the chance to explore stories at their own pace – often in a new or unfamiliar language. 

Gill has seen first-hand how powerful this can be, as volunteers talk with children ​“in the moment and in context around new vocabulary, which makes it easier for children to understand and use those words beyond the session.”

This personalised, real-time support helps children unlock language in a way that classroom teaching alone often can’t. Over time, teachers notice a transformation – children become more willing to read aloud, ask questions, and engage with books. They ​“gain confidence in their understanding and in their desire to engage with text and books,” Gill adds, with that confidence building week by week.

Celebrating diversity and inclusion through literacy

The bonds children form with their volunteers help them feel seen, valued and included. Many feel proud of their achievements and want to keep reading long after their programme ends. Teachers witness real change – children who were once hesitant now visit the book corner eagerly, choosing stories for themselves and sharing what they’ve read.

By helping children who are learning English as an additional language, Bookmark volunteers are doing more than improving literacy – they’re fostering connection, confidence and curiosity. As Gill reflects, this one-to-one support has ​“a far-reaching social impact” for children who might not receive literacy help at home.

Thanks to our volunteers, these children aren’t just catching up – their discovering the joy of stories, developing a lifelong love of reading and building a confidence to last a lifetime.