Become a reading volunteer
Help a child discover the joy of reading through a flexible reading volunteer role that fits around your life. As part of our one‑to‑one reading volunteer programme, you’ll support a child aged 5 – 11 who needs extra help to grow their reading confidence – either online or in a local school.
One-to-one reading volunteer programme
You can support a child who’s at risk of falling behind by volunteering to help children learn to read. As a one-to-one reading volunteer, you’ll deliver structured 30-minute reading sessions where you help children improve confidence and literacy skills through books, games and fun activities.
What does a reading volunteer do?
Our reading volunteers are central to our vision of helping children succeed in school and beyond.
As a reading volunteer, you will:
- Deliver two 30-minute reading sessions per week
- Read and play literacy games with a child
- Assess interests and reading levels using Bookmark’s resources
- Provide tailored support to help them enjoy reading and build skills
You don’t need to have previous formal teaching experience. With plenty of online training and resources, we’ll give you everything you need to feel confident from day one.
Essential requirement for reading volunteers
By becoming a reading volunteer, you’re agreeing to the commitments that help us make the biggest difference for children.
Becoming a Bookmark reading volunteer is a meaningful commitment. Ensure you're able to commit to delivering two 30-minute sessions per week.
Choose from two volunteering options:
- Online via our secure platform
- In-person at partner primary schools
Choose sessions that fit your schedule and volunteer for one hour per week to help children develop their literacy and confidence.
Given the investment required to onboard each volunteer (£300+), we ask that you apply only when you’re ready to meet the programme requirements and dedicate the necessary time.
If you wish to volunteer online, confirm you have access to: a PC, laptop, MacBook, iPad, tablet, phone or Chromebook with a webcam and internet connection and that you feel relatively comfortable using technology.
Read the volunteer role description and review the responsibilities to understand what’s involved.
Watch our step-by-step video guide
See what’s involved in becoming a Bookmark volunteer in our short step-by-step guide.
My pupil's gone from being a bit shy and easily disheartened, to a child who is so happy to read and now tries even the tricky words.
Ready to make a difference?
With just one hour a week, you can help a child gain confidence, enjoy reading and unlock new opportunities.
Want to find out more?
Join one of our online open sessions to discover what it’s like to volunteer with Bookmark. We’ll talk through the benefits of becoming a reading volunteer, the simple steps to get started, and how our one‑to‑one reading programme works. Sessions are delivered on Microsoft Teams, and everyone is welcome.
Frequently asked questions
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A reading volunteer spends 30 minutes twice a week helping a child with their reading. Using our library of books, games and structured activities, children can build their reading fluency and gain confidence, with personalised one-to-one support.
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You’ll be a great fit if you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Can commit to regular reading sessions during school hours
- Are comfortable using a laptop or tablet for training and session notes
- Can complete an enhanced DBS check (we’ll guide you through it)
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Our One‑to‑One Reading Programme involves delivering two 30‑minute sessions each week with a child who needs extra support with their reading. These sessions can take place in two flexible ways:
- Face‑to‑face, in a local primary school, where you’ll work directly with a child in a quiet space; or
- Online, through our secure digital platform, where you’ll connect one‑to‑one using your computer or tablet.
Both options are simple, supportive and designed to help you build a consistent relationship with the child - giving them the confidence they need to thrive as a reader.
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As a Bookmark Volunteer, you’re in control of your schedule. You’ll start by choosing the days and times that suit you best for delivering your reading sessions.
Once you’ve set your availability, our 360 Learning digital platform will show you the primary schools and children who need support at those times.
From there, you can simply select the programme that feels right for you.
Our platform ensures that every match is:- Local or online, depending on the type of programme you choose
- Consistent, so you support the same child throughout their six‑week journey
This way, you’re always volunteering at a time that works for you - and helping a child who genuinely needs your support.
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Programmes can be posted at any time during the academic year. Schools have flexibility to decide which children will take part and for how long.
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It's simple to become a literacy volunteer with no prior teaching experience.
You’ll get:
- Full volunteer training for reading support
- Access to our digital platform with resources, books and activities
- Ongoing help from the Bookmark team
- Simple safeguarding guidance
- A friendly, supportive volunteer community
