A Department for Education initiative is set to see 50,000 reading sessions brought to kids in Berkshire.
The department is teaming with local charity ABC to Read with funding from The Postcode Society Trust.
It comes ahead of next year which has been named as National Year of Reading.
The campaign aims to address the steep decline in reading amongst children, young people and adults.
As part of this, ABC to Read has pledged to deliver 50,000 reading sessions to Berkshire children.
The recruitment, training and development of the volunteers needed to make this happen will be supported in part by a generous grant from the Postcode Society Trust.
The grant is funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, this contribution will have a direct impact throughout the National Year of Reading.
ABC to Read works with primary school children who have been identified by their schools as struggling most with their reading, with many of the schools assigning their pupil premium to provide an ABC to read mentor.
The benefits of good reading and comprehension extend beyond the classroom; the charity’s annual reports consistently demonstrate significant improvement in self-confidence, self-esteem and overall concentration as well as confidence in reading, written communication and communication with peers and adults.
Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to read CEO, said: “It is so encouraging that the Secretary of State for Education has recognised the huge need for supporting UK children to read.
“We are so pleased that, thanks to the Postcode Society Trust and other generous donors and volunteers, we are able to play such a crucial part in this campaign.”
ABC to Read continues to call on more volunteers to support its work across the county, as well as welcoming more schools to benefit from their award winning service, and is actively looking for new volunteers to take part in training.
Schools that are in need of additional reading support are also being encouraged to sign up for ABC to Read mentors.
For more information about training days or joining the scheme as a school or volunteer mentor, contact: info@abctoread.org.uk
