Be part of Time to Read, our ground-breaking literacy programme. Scientists have found that children who can read well by the age of seven are more intelligent in later years. Time to Read bridges the gap in literacy skills for children up to the age of ten.
Could you give just one hour each week making a real difference to the life of a child through reading?
Award-winning Time to Read is a volunteering initiative developed by Business in the Community and proudly supported by Allstate NI and A&O Shearman. The programme helps improve literacy, inspire a love of reading, and build the confidence and social skills of children at Key Stage 2 in local primary schools.
100% of participating schools say they would recommend Time to Read to another school.
Company benefits include:
- Develops staff confidence
- Increases self-esteem and communication skills
- Motivates staff and enhances team work
- Raises company profile in the local community
- Builds partnerships with local schools
Schools benefits include:
- Provides an insight into the business world
- Motivates and develops children academically and socially
- Introduces children to a positive role model from the world of work
- Enables children to work on a one-to-one basis improving communication skills, confidence and self-esteem
Established in 1999, Time to Read is offered within the school day during term time.
Local volunteers from across Northern Ireland read on a one-to-one basis with children, supporting their reading progress and giving them an insight into the world of work. Business in the Community provides full training and Access NI clearance. Businesses can empower their people to get involved and they release their staff for one hour a week to volunteer in a local school. Initial commitment is for one year with the option of extending and many of our volunteers are now in their fifth and sixth year. Time to Read is available either in person or via online options.
Could you spare an hour per week to help Key Stage 2 pupils develop a love of books and reading?
To register, complete the form below or email Ciara Mulgrew or call 07467 147805.
World Book Week: Help spark a love of reading in primary school children this World Book Week.
To mark World Book Day on Thursday 4 March 2027, we’re calling on businesses to support our Book Drive for Time to Read schools.
World Book Day celebrates the power and pleasure of reading, helping children develop a lifelong love of books and unlocking benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.
By encouraging colleagues to donate children’s books, your organisation can make a direct impact on local pupils, helping to provide greater choice and access to books that inspire, engage, and foster a love of reading.
Join us in supporting our Time to Read schools and help put more books into the hands of children who need them most.
Find out how to support our book drive
Inspire the future workforce with a Workplace Visit
We’re looking for companies who can inspire children to understand the world of work. Options can include: hosting a workplace visit for primary school pupils, or why not help us develop a library of online resources that will help young people understand the many job roles and workplaces around Northern Ireland. This could be through storyboards outlining staff careers, a short video of different staff members explaining their role/career path or a virtual tour.
Resources
For more information, email Ciara Mulgrew, or call 07467 147805.
Register your interest
