Kirklees Together

We have held a special event to celebrate one of the most successful children’s reading schemes in the country.

Over the last 25 years, the Kirklees Reading Friends programme has supported thousands of school pupils with their literacy skills – inspiring young minds, making a long-term difference and improving educational outcomes.

Reading Friends are trained volunteers who go into local schools and spend time with children to develop their reading. Personal support is given through one-to-one sessions over several weeks.

Evidence shows that children see their reading age improve by an average of nine months, while the scheme also improves pupils’ motivation, confidence and enjoyment of learning.

The council-run programme has trained around 1,000 Reading Friends, with current volunteers ranging from teenage students to long-serving volunteers who are aged in their 80s.

It operates on a much bigger scale than similar schemes elsewhere and there are currently 70 Kirklees primary schools, five secondaries and two special schools signed up to take part.

The memorable event at Huddersfield University marked 25 years of Reading Friends and saw certificates presented to children, volunteers and co-ordinators who have helped Kirklees to lead the way nationally.

Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said:

“We are incredibly proud that our Reading Friends programme is one of the biggest and best in the country. Many years of hard work have gone into making it a fantastic success and something which our schools regard extremely highly.

“Volunteers go through high-quality training and truly reap the rewards. They gain many benefits, including new skills, improved confidence and a real sense of achievement. Some volunteers have found it so rewarding that they’ve even used Reading Friends as their route into a whole new career working with children.

“Children themselves gain extra support, achieve better outcomes and often find the programme gives them renewed enthusiasm, not just for reading but for learning overall. Reading Friends is a brilliant, inspirational success story for Kirklees and we look forward to it getting even better in the years to come.”

A teacher at Staincliffe Junior School in Batley said:

“Our volunteers have really helped our children in many ways. Firstly, the children’s reading has greatly improved. Secondly, it has developed their confidence and resilience and they now have the courage to ‘have a go’ across all curriculum areas, as well as reading out loud in class. It has also developed their love of reading and they are now excited about books. Spending time with a Reading Friend makes the children feel special and they all thoroughly enjoy their quality ‘one to one’ time with them.”

A Reading Friends volunteer, Shabina Khatoon, said:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the training and I learnt about how to listen to children read. I enjoy being a Reading Friend because it’s lovely spending quality time with a child, to listen to them read and to discuss the book. I have been amazed at the progress of the children, not only in reading but also their confidence.”

Children who have been part of the scheme said:

“I like reading with my Reading Friend because we talk about my book together. My reading has got better and now I love reading.”

“I feel special when I spend time with my Reading Friend and I look forward to Tuesday afternoons.”

“I didn’t speak much English a year ago when I moved here but my Reading Friend has worked with me every week and I can now speak and write in English.”

“Having a Reading Friend makes me feel special because they help me with tricky words and I feel more confident.”

Ensuring all learners can access a high-performing education system, making excellent progress and enjoying the best opportunities, is part of Our Kirklees Futures – our long-term vision for learning across the district.

Our Kirklees Futures brings together the full range of education providers, plus wider partners, with the shared aim that learners of all ages will reach their full potential and be equipped with vital skills for life.

To find out more, please visit the Our Kirklees Futures web page.

To ask about volunteering with the Kirklees Reading Friends scheme, please email success.centres@kirklees.gov.uk or call 01484 234153.