Business in the Community Scotland tackling children’s literacy

In a joint effort, a team from People’s Postcode Lottery has joined up with Business in the Community Scotland in a paired reading programme.

Business in the Community have research which states that one in five of the poorest children are leaving primary school without adequate reading skills.

Twenty members of the Lottery team are going to read one-on-one with children aged 8 and 9 in a local primary school.

Jo Bucci, Managing Director at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The team at People’s Postcode Lottery are excited to be taking part in the paired reading programme alongside Business in the Community Scotland.

“Each week, members of our team will go along to a local primary school and sit alongside a child whilst they read their chosen book, helping to read along with them and boost their confidence.

“The project will also see children getting a real insight into the business world, developing both their academic and social skills too.”

Jane Wood, Managing Director, Business in the Community Scotland, said that her organisation was pleased to team up with People’s Postcode Lottery: “We are delighted that People’s Postcode Lottery are embracing the responsible business agenda by supporting their team, volunteers and their communities to improve Scotland’s literacy levels. Working together, we are striving to make our country fairer and more sustainable, making a tangible difference to young lives, and helping to create vibrant communities where people can flourish.”

Fiona Murray, Head Teacher, Prestonfield Primary School said: “Excellent schools work closely in partnership with their community to make sure that every child achieves the very best outcomes.  At Prestonfield Primary School we have the fantastic support of People’s Postcode Lottery through Paired Reading Partnerships.  The impact that these volunteers have on raising pupil confidence and attainment is extremely powerful.  Through the Paired Reading Partnerships, children also get to know people who are positive role models, who work for a living and have aspirational jobs, helping pupils make that link between developing skills for learning, life and work.”