Join our team of reading partners

Do you enjoy working with children and love books?

Then you could train to be a Dorset Reading Partner and help to inspire young children to read.

We look for volunteers with excellent literacy skills, an empathy with young people and a genuine enthusiasm to help children achieve their full potential.

If you can spare two hours a week for a school year, we’ll offer you top quality training, resources and support, and provide you with a hugely rewarding and enjoyable role.

All applicants must provide two referees, attend a face-to-face interview and undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure.

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What our Volunteers Say

"The rewards are fantastic To be told by the class teacher that a particular child has gained confidence and is now taking a more active part in the class makes me feel that I am making a real contribution to that child's education and future."

Diana - reading partner

"I get as much out of this as the children do. It’s about more than just the teaching. It’s about praise, encouragement, confidence-building and opening up the lifelong world of pleasure that only books can give."

Gaye - reading partner

"Quite the best thing I have done so far since retiring has been becoming a reading partner for Dorset. Successful retirement in my opinion is all about still feeling useful and DRP have certainly made me feel invaluable."

Gill - reading partner

"Being a Reading Partner is immensely satisfying and such a privilege. . . it allows me to give a little back while hopefully increasing children’s competence and confidence as well as imparting my own enthusiasm and enjoyment in reading."

Tim – reading partner

"For me, being a reading partner brings joy and fun. It is immensely rewarding and I cannot imagine ever stopping! "

Dee - reading partner