Ablaze supports primary schools across Bristol and the West of England. Its Reading Partners programme matches schools with volunteers from the local business community to support children aged 7-11 who are struggling with their reading.

Reading Partners work with one or two pupils over the course of the academic year, providing a weekly session lasting 30 minutes for each child. The in-person session includes shared reading, book talk and games to help build reading skills and confidence, and encourage reading for pleasure.

The Reading Partners programme provides between 4 and 10 volunteers per school. All Ablaze volunteers have an Enhanced DBS certificate and receive a programme of training that includes:

• An overview of phonics.
• Strategies to support children with their reading.
• Safeguarding and child protection.

Cost: £300 per school for an academic year.

About Ablaze: Ablaze is an independent charity dedicated to addressing inequality of opportunity for young people in the West of England through corporate volunteering initiatives. The charity  provides a range of programmes that support young people from their early years to employment.