Eversheds Excel with Right to Read

We are both enjoying participating in the Right to Read scheme. As avid readers, passing on to the pupils our own enthusiasm for books is a pleasure and a privilege. So far the project has certainly exercised our own communication and listening skills in guiding the pupils through difficult prose and discussing what the children have read. Also the children and staff at our school have been very friendly so it makes a very pleasant break from the office!

 

Mary Mundy and Colin Murray Eversheds LLP

Two staff from Eversheds Newcastle,  Mary Mundy and Colin Murray, have taken part in the Business in the Community scheme, Right to Read by volunteering at a primary school in Benwell, Newcastle.

Process

The volunteers visited the school for one hour each week for one academic term, assisting four pupils with reading and reading activities.

The primary school is in an area of high deprevation with 70% of the students recieving free school meals. The school’s SATs results for English in 2007* were 36% against a Local Authority average of 75% and an English average of 80%.

(*2007 results have been shown as the 2008 results had not been confirmed).

The Eversheds volunteers reported that they enjoyed their experience with both Colin and Mary feeling that it had exceeded their expectations. As a result of Eversheds support for employee volunteering, Colin and Mary said that their perception of their company had improved and as a result, they felt more committed to their employer and would recommend their experience.

The Head Teacher at the school also gave positive feedback. They had not worked with business volunteers before however, following their experience they are keen to continue their involvement with Cares, to develop the partnership with Eversheds and to work with more business volunteers in the future.

Results

On average, children of the same age should improve their reading by two sub levels over one academic year, yet after only 30 minutes a week for 12 weeks, the Right to Read children had improved by the following:

Child A: 3 sub levels
Child B: 3 sub levels  
Child C: 1 sub level 
Child D: 2 sub levels

Impact

  • Right to Read provided a source of one to one reading
  • Helped raise the aspirations of the children
  • Provided the children with a role model from the world of work
  • Greatly improved the children’s motivation and enthusiasm towards reading
  • Improved the reading abilities of all pupils involved

See also

Cares logo
Eversheds logo
Right to Read logo

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