Become a reading volunteer

Every Sheffield Child Articulate and Literate (ESCAL) volunteering is part of the Virtual School for Children Looked After. 

Reading volunteers support children and young people with their:

• literacy and communication
• decoding skills
• reading comprehension

What we do

We recruit volunteers to support our children in care on a one-to-one basis, as well as providing an additional positive adult-to-child relationship. 

You don't need experience of working with children and young people. As long as you have enthusiasm and commitment the opportunity is open to you.

We provide training before you begin your placement. This is to prepare and support you for your work with a child or young person so you feel confident volunteering in a school. 

Training spaces are limited. We will contact you with a range of available dates once we've received your application form.

How to apply

If you are interested in volunteering, you can read our volunteering welcome pack. It will give you some general information about the role and what you can expect. 

You can apply by downloading the reading volunteer application form and sending it by email to escalvolunteering@sheffield.gov.uk. 

Please do not send paper copies to the postal address at this point. If you have any difficulties completing the form, please contact us.

Volunteer survey

If you're already a volunteer, you can provide us with feedback on your experience so we can look at how we can improve our service.