Ablaze Programmes

Improve Literacy and Numeracy

The Reading and Number Partners programme is aimed at Primary School children. A business volunteer is partnered with a child to read together or play maths games for 30 minute sessions usual during lunchtime, weekly or fortnightly.

Click here to read about how Airbus are making Number Partners a success at Fonthill Primary School in Southmead

The programme motivates children to develop an enjoyment of reading independently and confidence with numeracy. Once a child's confidence and enjoyment of reading or maths is boosted they will be on the way to developing their potential. Evaluations show progress is accelerated and teachers acknowledge that they could not provide this service to so many.

The aim

• Develop comprehension or numeracy skills
• Raise attainment in maths and English
• Boost enjoyment and confidence with words, numbers, books and literature
• Raise self esteem, confidence and social skills

Key points

• Links volunteers from local companies with primary school children.
• Volunteers go into school on a weekly or fortnightly basis
• 30 minute sessions
• School and business operate in partnership
• Staff from the school and business co-ordinate the scheme

How the schemes work

ABLAZE provides materials to help recruit volunteers from within the business.

A company ‘adopts' a particular school, identified by ABLAZE and a group of volunteers visits the school on a weekly basis forming a partnership with the pupils.

Volunteers are asked to commit to the programme for a school year, from September to July, and to attend weekly (or sometimes fortnightly) sessions in school, each lasting about 30 minutes. These may be at lunchtimes or at another time during the school day. Each scheme is tailored to individual needs and the times volunteers are available.

Training and support

All volunteers receive an initial two hour training session and complete a disclosure check with the Criminal Record Bureau.

Every three months the school and the business organise review sessions, which can be facilitated by ABLAZE. These provide an opportunity for volunteers and school staff to see how the children are benefiting, to share progress, discuss any difficulties and receive further guidance and support.

There is a yearly evaluation and celebration that sometimes takes the form of a visit for pupils to the workplace of their reading buddies.

Cost

There is no cost on top of volunteers time and transport to and from the school for Reading Partners, reading material is provided by the school. For Number Partners the cost of maths games for a class is approximately £160. Training and CRB checks are provided by ABLAZE at no charge.