Assisted Reading for Children Ltd (ARCh)

Who we are

ARCh - Oxfordshire's award-wninng children's charity - we inspire children to read!

Who we are: Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) helps pupils in Oxfordshire who struggle with their reading. We send trained volunteers into primary schools and aim to inspire in the children we see a love of reading. This will enhance their lives and improve their life chances.

Why we are needed: Oxfordshire has more than 16,000 children living in poverty; twelve of its wards are listed in the top 20% most disadvantaged nationally. Around 20% of children leave primary school with a reading level below expected and this has worsened following the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. In some areas of disadvantage this figure can be as high as 60%. This has an impact on children’s ability to learn across all subjects and severely affects their confidence.

How do we know it works: the schools we work with report dramatic improvements in reading ability and interest, comprehension, self-esteem, communication skills, and general attitude to school and learning.

The ARCh staff team has a wealth of experience in the education field.

The team’s role is to train and support reading helpers and liaise with their schools ensuring a positive outcome for all.

Please join us!