Let's help all children fall in love with reading

As Chapter One reading sessions get underway for the new school year, the support that our online reading volunteers give to struggling young readers is never more needed. The annual literacy survey shows that more than half of children and young people do not enjoy reading in their free time. Reading enjoyment, reading levels at school and overall literacy skills were the lowest among children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Of those children who receive free school meals, 60% said they do not enjoy reading in their free time.

The research hits hard for anyone who understands the impact that reading can have on a child's life chances. And it’s not just about good grades and jobs. Getting lost in a good book, and having the chance to read for pleasure, are key to wellbeing. By giving just 30 minutes a week to read online with a child, Chapter One volunteers help children from disadvantaged backgrounds fall in love with reading at the time they need it the most—the beginning of their educational journey.

We have a target of reaching 3,000 children in the 2023-24 school year—and a waiting list of schools. If you’re not yet one of our corporate partners, what are you waiting for? Please get in touch with our Business Development Manager,? Sarah Taylor . The 2023-24 school year includes the exciting expansion of our online reading programme to Greater Manchester. Be part of it! Learn more.

Chapter One launches new corporate partnership structure

We are excited to launch a new corporate partnership structure this autumn! The partnerships go beyond financial support, recognising partners’ pledges for providing multiple teams of online reading volunteers for a whole school year. Want to join them? Find out more.

Why we partner with Chapter One

Cath Howard BSc (Hons) , Environmental Sustainability Manager at? Balfour Beatty Kilpatrick , talked to us about her experiences as a Chapter One volunteer and the importance of looking beyond the metrics in measuring the impact of the online reading programme. Read more.

Marie Broad appointed new Chapter One trustee

“Chapter One has achieved brilliant growth over the last 5 years and I’m looking forward to seeing where I can add value from a corporate social responsibility perspective.” Marie Broad , Citizenship and Social Mobility Manager,?BDO?