Newly trained Ogier volunteers join colleagues in primary school reading programme in the Channel Islands

Ogier volunteers are once again giving their time to support primary school children at Jersey's Rouge Bouillon School as part of Every Child Our Future's "Ready to Read" programme.

Five newly trained volunteers now make up a solid team of 18 Ogier readers from across the firm that read with Key Stage One and Key Stage Two pupils each week to help improve their reading ability and their confidence during these crucial early years. Ogier has partnered with Rouge Bouillon School on the reading programme since 2017 and is looking to enrol a further five volunteers in January.

As well as learning new skills themselves in supporting young children in their learning journey, the volunteers experience the rewarding opportunity to see the children they support blossom in ability and confidence. Eight Ogier colleagues in Guernsey are also excited to be joining the programme and are getting ready to read in the Spring term.

Ogier's trainee solicitor, Natasha Polak, who is now a fully trained ECOF reader, said: "I'm excited to join the ECOF Ready to Read programme as I know it will provide a unique yet rewarding opportunity to assist young children with their reading development. I'm particularly looking forward to seeing their confidence grow whilst they progress through various reading levels as a result of our one-to-one sessions."

Key Stage Two leader at Rouge Bouillon, Gillian McLean, commented: "The ECOF Ready to Read programme is an excellent initiative that is fundamental in increasing the frequency of reading for our children and their enjoyment of picking up a book. The children's reading with their Ogier volunteer is incredibly valuable and each week they look forward to their one-to-one reading time and having the reader's undivided attention. We're extremely grateful to Ogier and all their volunteers, both past and present, for their continued support."

Every Child Our Future, a registered educational charity, aims to further the chances of children, whatever their background and focuses on the building blocks of education: literacy, numeracy and early years communication. They work alongside local government, schools, teachers, parents, businesses and the wider community, to ensure we all do our part in using our own skills and resources to best serve the needs of young children.

If you are interested in supporting ECOF and their programmes, please email info@everychild.org.gg for details on how you can help.