Charity helps kids improve reading
awhite@thekmgroup.co.uk
Malcolm Thomas, deputy head of VSK, said: “Children in care are generally less likely to benefit from their time at school.
“They have often come from a background of neglect, deprivation and emotional difficulties, and this can affect their learning abilities. Unfortunately, reading can be a luxury in these situations, which is why our work with Beanstalk is so important.”
Volunteers spend at least an hour a week listening to schoolchildren – not just those in care – who have literacy difficulties and help them to pronounce words and sentences.
Helpers who are assigned to work with KCC-referred pupils undergo specialist training to deal with their backgrounds and emotions. VSK and Beanstalk operate together at Archbishop Courtney Church School, in Eccleston Road, Tovil; Bower Grove School, in Fant Lane, Barming; West Borough Primary School, off Queens Road; Headcorn Primary School; St James the Great Academy, East Malling; and St Peter’s Primary School, Aylesford. More schools are expected to be added once another batch of volunteers complete their training.
Mr Thomas said: “We have seen extraordinary results from children who been helped by a Beanstalk reader. After two years, one 10-year-old who struggled with his words was able to address 300 people and describe his favourite book. It was amazing to watch.”