About ABC to Read
ABC to read is an award-winning Berkshire charity, set up in 2004, that helps children who struggle with reading. They train, support and place volunteers in primary schools to work with children on a one-to-one basis, and we now support more than 500 children every week.
Alongside their volunteer programme, they deliver workshops for older pupils so they can support younger readers, helping schools strengthen their reading culture. They also run workshops for parents in their partner schools, giving them the confidence and practical strategies to support their children’s reading at home.
Many of the children they help find reading difficult or lack confidence. One child they supported used to avoid opening his book at the start of each session. With steady, patient help, he began to choose stories himself and read with pride. His progress shows how targeted support can open the door to reading and learning.
Their aim is to ensure every child we work with develops the skills and confidence they need to enjoy reading and succeed at school.
ABC to Read's Challenges
ABC to read is facing several challenges at the moment. One of the most significant is securing timely responses from schools. They often have trained volunteers ready to begin supporting children, but delays in communication mean placements cannot start as quickly as planned. This slows down support for children who would benefit from help straight away.
Another challenge is the increasing number of children entering primary school below the expected level for reading, particularly those affected by disrupted early education. Demand for their support continues to grow, and they are working hard to recruit and train enough volunteers to meet this need.
They are also managing rising costs of training, safeguarding compliance and travel across the county. As a small charity, maintaining steady funding while expanding their reach remains an ongoing task.
These challenges matter because behind each delay or missed opportunity is a child who is struggling
ABC to Read's Achievements
ABC to read has a strong record of improving children’s reading skills and confidence. Their most recent data shows:
· 95% of children they support improve in reading confidence.
· 88% show measurable progress in reading fluency.
· 90% increase their enjoyment of reading, choosing books more independently.
· More than 80% make progress in comprehension and engagement with learning.
Schools regularly report wider benefits such as improved focus, better classroom participation and increased motivation. One child, who had been reluctant to read even a single sentence, began completing whole pages after several weeks of steady support, eventually choosing to read aloud to his class for the first time. His story reflects the progress many of their children make.
Award achievements
ABC to read has been recognised for the quality and impact of its work.
They are:
· The only charity in Berkshire to hold the Investing in Volunteers Award, recognising excellence in volunteer training and support.
· The first charity in Berkshire to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK.
· Holders of additional governance and social responsibility awards that reflect strong leadership, safeguarding, and community impact.
These achievements demonstrate their commitment to high standards and the lasting difference their work makes for children who struggle with reading.
ABC to Read
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