Literacy Support Volunteer

We take children on voyages as readers and writers, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to join our crew. 

Who are The Literacy Pirates? 

Through our after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13, who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond. 

Children join our weekly afterschool program, either online or at our Pirate themed space in Hackney to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance. 

What does a Volunteer Crewmate do? 

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to come along to our sessions and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:1 (in Hackney), 1:2 (online) or in small groups. 

Sessions are led and managed by our staff team, which means you can dedicate the whole time you’re with us to providing direct support to the children. 

You will: 

• Receive full training. 

• Help children practise reading and writing by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements. 

• Take part in games and have fun! 

• Be invited to celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made. 

We offer: 

• Employment references, for volunteers who have been with us for 12 sessions. 

• Work placements for students. 

• Tempo Time Credits – for every session you volunteer, you will be rewarded with credits to redeem against days out, trips and extra-curricular opportunities for your spare time. 

• Socials and extra opportunities. 

What are we looking for? 

We ask volunteers to give just two afternoons every half-term, although you are welcome to volunteer more if you choose to! 

Sessions run every weekday from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. (in Hackney) or 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. (online), and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided. 

All we ask is that you: 

• Are aged 16+ 

• Must be a UK resident 

• Complete a DBS check (we cover the cost of this) 

• For Virtual, you’ll need to have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role). 

Apply via our website!