Education in the South West

The South West has a range of education programmes and initiatives that businesses and individual employees can get involved in.

Right to Read (Devon & Cornwall)

Right to Read enables volunteers from business to become reading partners with 7-11 year olds and promotes the importance of literacy.  Volunteers are asked to give just one hour a week during term time and in just twelve weeks this weekly commitment can improve a child’s reading age by six months.  Within Devon and Cornwall over 80 volunteers are working within the most deprived areas assisting 240 pils with their reading. 

Further details: kristy.ham@bitc.org.uk / 01752 510410

Reading Buddies (Bristol)

In association with ABLAZE, BITC supports a similar scheme to Right to Read called Reading Buddies. Through this scheme 256 volunteers are assisting over 300 pupils with their reading this year. 

Further details: hugh.thomas@bristol.gov.uk / 0117 9276444 ext 349

Number Partners (Bristol)

In association with ABLAZE, BITC also supports Number Partners. This programme operates for both primary and secondary school students and promotes confidence and skills with numbers through the use of purpose built board games. Through this scheme 105 volunteers are assisting over 300 pupils this year.

Further details: hugh.thomas@bristol.gov.uk / 0117 9276444 ext 349

Schools Outreach Programme (Bristol)

Raising awareness of the career opportunities and prospects in the retail and leisure sectors for Year 9 and 10 pupils, this programme offers retailers and leisure providers both individual and team volunteering opportunities and a chance for businesses to host work-based outreach activities.  This programme works in partnership with Bristol City Council, Connexions, Bristol Alliance and the West at Work.

Further details: linda.faulkner@bitc.org.uk / 0117 972 2111

School Governors (Bristol)

Supporting and improving education in Bristol schools, this initiative works in partnership with Bristol City Council’s School Governor Development Service. 

Further details: linda.faulkner@bitc.org.uk / 0117 972 2111