Boosting Children’s Reading Skills in Derbyshire
We’re working with over 80 primary schools across Derbyshire to help students discover a love of reading.
Children’s literacy in Derby
Children in Derby are facing significant challenges when it comes to literacy. Almost half of all pupils fall below the expected reading standard (6% below the national average). Even more worrying, this is an 8% drop since 2019.
Poverty plays a big role in this struggle. A quarter of households in Derby experience deprivation (compared to the UK average of 21%), and 17% of children live in income-deprived households. That means many families are likely finding it hard to provide the resources and support children need to thrive in school.
Become a volunteer
Are you interested in learning more about volunteering with Bookmark?
Supporting schools and families
We’re working with over 80 primary schools across Derbyshire to foster a whole-school love of reading. Schools receive a Your Story Corner pack, which is full of inclusive high-quality books worth roughly £160,000!
With reading levels falling and so many children starting at a disadvantage, it’s more important than ever to step in and provide support.
Helping children improve their reading isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about giving them the confidence and skills to change their stories for the better. And you can help us reach children across the country who are most in need of support.
Why become a reading volunteer?
We’re looking for one-to-one reading volunteers to read stories and play games with a child aged 5 to 11 who struggles with reading.
As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy fun 30-minute sessions twice a week (online or face-to-face) at times that suit you. You don’t need any specific experience – just a laptop or an iPad. We’ll provide all of the training and resources.
You’ll get to help your young reader grow their skills and confidence over six weeks and watch them discover the joy of reading.
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It’s only 30 minutes twice a week for six weeks
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Sessions can be done either online or face-to-face at one of our partner schools
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It’s so flexible! You can volunteer at a time that suits you
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You can help a child gain the reading skills and confidence they need to succeed
What can you do?
So many children like Ava are waiting for someone just like you to help them discover the power of reading. Become a reading volunteer and dedicate just 30 minutes twice a week for six weeks, to help a child to grow the confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Testimonials
Bookmark volunteers are making an impact on children who need their support the most.
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I like reading with my volunteer because they can help me have a try and I can get smarter.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 
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Even if one child is influenced to think “books are for me” or “I can do this” or “I do want to go to university and study English” – what an incredible difference to have made just by virtue of spending two half-hours a week with them.
Claire, Volunteer 
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The reading things you help us with makes us better at everything.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 