Supporting a local school reading scheme

Inspired by their regular lunchtime volunteering at St Peter's Primary School over the last 10 years, this year Bec Turnbull and Paul Harvey set up and launched an official reading scheme at St Peter's, enabling more colleagues to volunteer at the school to support children of all ages with their reading.

St Peter's is tucked away behind Union Street, a five-minute walk from our Plymouth office. A high proportion of the pupils are eligible for support from the pupil premium – additional government funding provided for pupils such as those who are eligible for free school meals or who are looked after by the local authority. The proportion of pupils from ethnic minority backgrounds is also high, as is the number of pupils who speak English as a second or other language.

In financial year 2025/26 alone, colleagues in the Plymouth office have delivered over 100 hours of reading support to pupils at St Peter's and the feedback from the school has been fantastic. Time with individuals is hugely valued, especially for those children who may have challenges with reading or are not read with on a one-to-one basis regularly. Our volunteers provide a continuity of adult contact that would otherwise be missing for many of the children involved, whilst also providing support for their learning and reading skills.

The scheme has been an excellent way to get children excited about reading and for our colleagues to create links with our local community. The feedback from colleagues shows the impact of the scheme is not just limited to the children.

On the back of the success of the scheme, Paul has provided advice to clients and other businesses in the region on best practice for setting up their own reading schemes.