We target our work at disadvantaged families across Wandsworth. We help young children start school ready to read. We help primary-age children develop a love of reading, while building reading skills and confidence. We encourage and equip parents to support their children’s learning at home.
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Beneficiaries
Impact areas
Disadvantaged children are less likely to read well than their more affluent peers. Children eligible for free school meals can be up to a year behind wealthier children before even starting school. Poor reading skills in childhood can result in limited literacy in adults, bringing well-recognised risks of unemployment, poor health, low wages, and social exclusion. In 2025, fewer than half of parents reported reading with their young child on a daily basis.
We recruit, train and support volunteers to read with children struggling with reading, building their skills and confidence. Our classes for babies, 1-2 or 2-4 year olds and their parents prepare children to be ready to read at school focusing on songs, stories, and speaking and listening games. We encourage and equip parents to support their children’s learning at home providing parents with motivation, skills, and confidence through talks, workshops and family learning events.
