Story Starter (Hackney)

Save the Children works in partnership with children's literacy charity Beanstalk, to place volunteers in local primary schools. A national charity, Beanstalk provides one-to-one literacy support to children who struggle with their reading ability and confidence.

Aim of the role:

As a Beanstalk Story Starter you will make a key contribution to ensuring local children start their primary education ‘ready to read’. You will support their language development and introduce them to a rich world of words. You will act as a positive ambassador for reading, encouraging children to see books as offering them valuable and enjoyable experiences. You will increase children’s confidence and self-esteem.

How it works:

Story Starters give a high level of informal adult support regularly. They follow the Beanstalk model and use resources that we provide and guide them to.

• You will need to commit to volunteering in a local early years setting (allocated to you by Beanstalk) for at least two hours per week (plus travel time) at a regular time (agreed with the setting) during nursery/reception hours and on at least 30 weeks in the school year. • You will support at least 3 children individually: establishing joint attention and using play purposefully to develop, re-inforce and enrich children’s understanding and use of language. You will read aloud to the children, and share a wide range of books and other materials with them.

We need you to:

• Support pre-school aged children (3-5 years) on a one-to-one basis in a busy nursery environment • Adapt to each child’s interests and abilities • Listen and talk to children in a patient, purposeful and positive manner • Use a range of resources in an inspiring, fun and considered way to improve children’s language skills • Be flexible and independent in a modern educational setting • Commit to safeguarding the welfare of children

You will:

• Be valued as part of a team making a real difference to young children’s future prospects • Develop and use your skills over a period of time • Be able to share thoughts and experiences with other volunteers via an online forum • Receive full induction training and ongoing support from the local team • Be reimbursed for all out-of-pocket travel expenses