'Reading Matters' in Sheffield

Those of you who know me know that I read constantly and that I care passionately about reading and believe that every child has an entitlement to be taught to read; preferably before they are eight! If you can't read your life chances are diminished and the opportunities to learn, grow and develop are severely limited.

While I was in Leeds I actively supported 'Reading Matters', a brilliant little social enterprise, which, for over 12 years, has recruited, trained and supported thousands of volunteer reading mentors in schools across Yorkshire. I have become a trustee and want to help them continue the outstanding work they are doing in schools across the region.
'Reading Matters' specialises in one-to-one support to motivate young people to reach their potential by becoming confident and enthusiastic readers. The team offers accredited training and workshops for school governors, parents and carers, teaching assistants, librarians and other support staff, as well as young people themselves, developing specific one to one literacy support skills. Their two main programmes are Volunteer Reading Mentors and Reading Leaders.

• Volunteer Reading Mentors is an accredited in depth training course that equips volunteers with a range of practical skills to help struggling and reluctant readers within schools. Through these programmes mentors gain huge satisfaction from the knowledge that they are helping to support and inspire young people by improving their reading skills and by building self confidence. The adult volunteers are recruited from the general public; from all walks of life, all sections of the community and across all ages. What they all share is a love of reading and the time, patience and desire to help to improve the lives of young people in a fun and practical way.
• Reading Leaders is a practical and fun one to one supported reading programme, designed specifically for young people in both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. The course provides students with the skills and confidence to partner a younger pupil who may struggle with reading. The programme is accredited through the National Open College Network at level two, can contribute toward Duke of Edinburgh Awards and adds value to a CV.

Like Leeds, Sheffield has supported 'Reading Matters' for a long time and the 'Reading Matters' office in Sheffield has now moved. They are now based at:
'Reading Matters'
Scotia Works
Leadmill Road
Sheffield
S1 4SE
Tel: 0114 241 2743
This new location is next to Sheffield Railway station, with great training spaces perfect for Reading Matters training. You can contact 'Reading Matters' at 01274 692219 or you can find out more about their work by visiting their website at readingmatters.org.uk.

Chris