In 2023, 40% of 11-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds in England left school not reading to the expected standard. This can throw their whole life off track, and make it impossible to reach their potential. In London, where child poverty is at a rate of 32.9%, children from disadvantaged communities are seeing their challenges exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. With the ongoing effects of the pandemic on children’s literacy and the widening ‘literacy gap’ our work is vital.

We will provide weekly 30 minute reading sessions across the academic year so that children aged 5 to 7 can develop key literacy skills and a love of reading, which in turn motivates them to learn and opens up a range of opportunities in education and beyond. Children and their reading volunteer use our online platform to read stories and play a range of word games to develop their skills. We currently partner with 36 London schools serving disadvantaged communities.