About the Role
As a Bookmark Reading Volunteer, you’ll support a child aged 5–11 who is at risk of falling behind with reading.
You’ll deliver two 30-minute sessions per week, either online or face-to-face, at a partner school.
Your sessions will include:
- Reading stories aloud together
- Playing literacy-building games
- Exploring the child’s interests to keep sessions fun
- Encouraging confidence, curiosity and enjoyment
- You’ll work with the same child for the full programme (usually 6 weeks), providing consistency and encouragement every step of the way
This is a friendly, flexible role — perfect for anyone who loves reading, enjoys working with children, or wants to give back in a meaningful way.
What You’ll Gain
- The joy of helping a child grow in confidence
- A rewarding and purposeful volunteering experience
- Full training and ongoing guidance
- Opportunities to build skills in communication, mentoring, children’s engagement and safeguarding
- Flexibility — choose online sessions or in-school placements at times that suit you
Many volunteers say it’s one of the most fulfilling things they’ve ever done.
Training & Support
We ensure every volunteer feels confident and prepared.
You will receive:
- Full online training (including safeguarding)
- Access to a library of books, games and reading resources
- Support from Bookmark staff and our online volunteer community
- Guidance on how to deliver fun, structured sessions
- A dedicated Volunteer Hub for scheduling and communication
Impact
- Over 94% of teachers report an increase in children’s reading confidence
- 93% say children enjoy reading more
- Volunteers help shape brighter futures, one child at a time
- Your time could make a lifelong difference.
What skills do I need?
You don’t need teaching experience — just enthusiasm, kindness, and a love of reading.
We’re looking for volunteers who are:
- Fluent in English and a confident reader
- Good communicators with strong listening skills
- Patient, encouraging and empathetic, with a friendly manner
- If volunteering online, have access to a device with a webcam and internet
- Able to work one-to-one with a child at their own pace
- Reliable, punctual and committed to completing each reading programme
- Trustworthy, with a professional and responsible approach
- Willing to complete online training and a DBS check (paid for by Bookmark)
- If volunteering online, comfortable using basic technology
Most of all, we’re looking for people who believe in the power of stories — and want to help bring that excitement to a child who needs it.
About Bookmark Reading Charity
An entrepreneurial and tech-led charity, we deliver essential reading support and resources to the children who need us most. We reach children by partnering with primary schools and community groups in disadvantaged areas, alongside growing our brilliant network of volunteers, partners and supporters.
We improve children’s literacy by promoting a reading for pleasure culture in primary schools, with a focus on supporting children in the most disadvantaged communities.
When do I need to be available?
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Details
Sessions: Two 30-minute sessions per week.
Duration: Each program lasts for six consecutive weeks.
Participation: A minimum of 10 out of the 12 sessions must be completed within each six-week program.
Flexibility: The commitment is flexible to fit around your schedule, as sessions are booked for times that suit you.
