ABC to read aims to advance the education and self confidence of children in Berkshire, particularly by helping them overcome reading difficulties thereby promoting their general well being.

We recruit and train volunteers from local communities in Berkshire to give individual mentoring to children in primary schools. Volunteers usually have 3 children assigned to them and visit school twice a week, ideally in the afternoons, spending half an hour individually with each child they support, reading, talking and playing games. The children who most benefit from this type of help are those who receive little or no support at home, children with English as an additional language and shy, unconfident children.

Working with their volunteer for up to a year the children begin to gain confidence as they experience success in these relaxed one-to-one sessions. Volunteers are supported in school by ABC to read staff who visit them regularly. They are provided with a box of books and games to use in school and regular opportunities to exchange them. All volunteers are required to undergo police criminal records checks.

ABC to Read has volunteers in primary schools across Central, East and West Berkshire.