Pauline and Bernard Thompson support young readers

Pauline and Bernard Thompson with pupils at Newhey Community Primary School

Pauline and Bernard Thompson, a retired couple who take part in many pursuits together, particularly enjoy spending part of their time volunteering as reading helpers at Newhey Community Primary School.

They say: "Having both been in education for most of our working lives we wanted to give something back, but what mainly attracted us was the opportunity to pass on our love of reading to younger children."

Headteacher at Newhey, Mrs Gooding says: "It is an absolute pleasure having Bernard and Pauline at Newhey Community Primary School as they foster a love of reading for individual children in our school. Bernard and Pauline develop effective relationships with all those they work with, which in turn makes reading fun, enjoyable and rewarding. I can’t thank them enough for all the work they do.’"

Pauline and Bernard added: "The half-hour sessions offer the opportunity to explore the individual child’s needs and interests and give the helper clues as to the reading material which will hopefully engage the reader and develop and enjoyment of reading. We have been trained to use many different types of printed matter, not just books, but all contain the written word and help the children to improve their vocabulary and reading skills."

The Thompsons have been trained by children’s literacy charity Beanstalk, which trains volunteers to go into local primary schools and spend time reading books and playing games with three children, twice per week, on a one-to-one basis.

Beanstalk has schools throughout Rochdale that are looking for reading helpers. They don’t look for particular qualifications as they provide full training but volunteers need to be fluent in English and have a love of books and reading. Reading helpers need to be able to commit to volunteering for at least one academic year and be able to spare three hours per week. Helpers start in school throughout the year.

Lucy Holland from Beanstalk said: "We need volunteers to support children with their literacy throughout Rochdale".

For more information, contact Lucy Holland or Emma Forrest:

westpennine@beanstalkcharity.org.uk
01204 532421