Your charity of the year
What do we do?
Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) helps pupils in Oxfordshire who struggle with their reading. We send trained volunteers into primary schools and aim to inspire in the children we see a love of reading. This will enhance their lives and improve their life chances. Since it was set up in 2008, ARCh has helped to transform the lives of thousands of children by giving them a lifelong love of reading, boosting their confidence, them to see themselves as learners and raising their aspirations.
Why are we needed?
Around 20% of children leave primary school with a reading level below expected. In some areas of disadvantage this figure can be as high as 60%. This has an impact on their ability to learn across all subjects and severely dents their confidence.
The Covid pandemic lockdowns adversely affected young children, disrupting their schooling and social lives. The effects have been particularly profound in areas of deprivation.
Oxfordshire has more than 16,000 children living in poverty; twelve of its wards are listed in the top 20% most disadvantaged nationally and this situation is expected to worsen given increasing concerns over the cost-of-living crisis.
We offer one-to-one sessions outside the classroom, away from peer pressure, where children are free to re-invent themselves. Volunteers get to know their children as individuals, discovering their interests. Sessions are child led, with the volunteer to guide them, and include playing games and chatting, all important in building a supportive mentoring relationship. Most importantly the sessions are fun and stress free!
Who volunteers?
Our volunteers come from all sections of the community, the only requirement being that they enjoy reading, spending time with children and are willing to commit to a couple of sessions a week in a local school. Volunteers are DBS checked and trained in safeguarding, as well as in how to engage their young people. They are provided with books and resources to suit their particular children, and are themselves supported by a fieldworker.
How do we know it works?
We survey the schools we work with every summer, and year on year schools report dramatic improvements in reading ability and interest, comprehension, self-esteem, communication skills, and general attitude to school and learning.
One schoolteacher said: “This is a vital intervention and invaluable for pupils to harbour a love of reading and understanding of vocabulary regardless of their ability.”
What can you do?
Fundraise to help us expand our work:
- £900 will recruit, train and equip a new volunteer and support them for one year
- £333 will buy one box of books and games
- £20 will buy two word games to encourage a fun session
- £10 will buy a book to engage a reluctant reader