Volunteers

We are a  local charity keen to attract volunteers to join us in supporting schools in raising literacy standards and inspiring a joy of reading.

You will be given an understanding of the vital importance of phonics when learning to read and how teaching reading has changed in line with the National Curriculum. Teachers are particularly appreciative of this aspect of the training.

We are looking for committed volunteers with regular weekly time to offer during the school term to support developing readers in schools.

Our volunteers usually go in to school for a half day, so about 2-3hours, some stay longer and provide a full day in school. We would expect that this would be every week during term time.

The one-day training sessions are held every month or so in Town Close School library.

If you are interested in attending any of these sessions please go to the Contact Us section.

What Our Volunteers Say

“I love volunteering in my chosen school and feel appreciated by the staff with whom I have contact. Engaging with and reading with the children keeps me young at heart in my retirement so thank you, Norfolk Reading Project, for providing me with this opportunity.”  Janet Barker

“Really pleased with my placement at Heather Avenue Infant School. Everything is going smoothly, the staff are very welcoming and I believe do appreciate the time I give. At the end of term, all the students in Year 1 (now year 2) made and signed a lovely 'thank you' card for me. Those little demonstrations of appreciation are great.” Marion Charnley

“I have just completed my first academic year of service. This work has been the most rewarding and interesting of all the different volunteering schemes I have ever been involved in. 
Calculating the balance between disruption of the teacher’s workflow and keeping the student out of class long enough to make a difference is a continuous process. A conversation with the teacher each session is essential to ensure they can keep specific children in class at critical times (i.e. to explain a principle etc). 
Stepping into a school’s daily life for a whole day each week feels like a privilege. It’s a bubble. I have a very good, but light, relationship with all the staff, and am very careful to adhere to their rules. 
I think the children benefit from the weekly tongue twisters and conversation skills, as well as reading. 
From feedback from the children, I feel that I have made some difference, particularly enthusiasm, comprehension and expression reading aloud.
Thank you for your supply of stickers and bookmarks. I learned how essential this currency is now. Thank you.” Brian Donovan 

“I have received an exceptionally warm welcome from all staff and children. My first months at FJS have been very positive and I feel my volunteering has made a difference and been of help. It was humbling to receive a standing ovation and presentation of a handwritten card and present from the children I've been working with after their end of year play.
Thank you for your excellent training and support.” Julie Greenslade