SCHOOLS in Berkshire are being asked to bring its trained volunteer mentors back into the classroom.

ABC to Read, a Reading charity which supports primary school children who are struggling to read, is hoping more volunteers will come forward to offer one-to-one support to those who need it.

Due to the pandemic, just 70% of the schools that previously used the charity mentors have reinstated those volunteers.

And it’s also encouraging new schools to come forward to take up volunteers to help address the reading gap affected by covid.

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Marcia Rowlinson, CEO of ABC to Read, said: “It is absolutely crucial that schools return our volunteers to the classroom so that those already struggling with their reading don’t fall further behind and have access to the support they are entitled to.

“We need to address the education gap caused by COVID-19, to improve the future prospects of our local youngsters.

“Our volunteers are a critical part of the recovery process at this difficult time, bridging that gap and inspiring a love of reading.”

The charity recently received another grant from Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) to address affects caused by covid.

And the foundation has previously awarded the charity with other grants to offer its support to ABC to Read.

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At least 40 vacancies are to be filled with the increasing number of children who need catch up support.

Volunteers will need to take part in a training session.

The next one will be held online on February 2.

For more information, email abctoread@btconnect.com