Time to Read

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 supported by the Department of Education. It aims to improve literacy, foster a love of reading and build 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.

For more information, email Ciara Mulgrew, or call 07467 147805.

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

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