Reading Recovery helps primary school children aged between 7 and 11 improve their literacy skills by giving them time to practice reading ‘one to one’ with a volunteer adult or ‘Buddy’ using the power of technology to enable virtual volunteering. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the reading and literacy levels of young people throughout the country so by joining schools with corporate volunteers, Reading Recovery aims to get these young people back on a level footing with their peers.

Paul Glanville, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Bristol Sport Foundation said: “We are most grateful to EY for supporting our Reading Recovery programme. EY and Bristol Sport Foundation share a desire to engage and inspire our community, to make a positive difference to those living in disadvantage.

“We are looking forward to working with EY’s volunteers, helping them to build meaningful relationships with the children over the coming weeks and to get the most out of this incredibly impactful programme.”

Pip Eyles, an Executive Assistant at EY in Bristol, and champion of Corporate Social Responsibility, adds: “Bristol Sport Foundation do amazing work in the local community and we are proud to join them, volunteering and raising much-needed funds.

“It is incredibly important that children who are struggling with reading, writing and maths – exacerbated by the pandemic – receive the support they need to achieve their goals and ensure no one falls behind. Literacy and maths are fundamental skills that all children need, regardless of their background, and the Reading Recovery programme provides crucial opportunities to support those that need it most, so they can aspire and achieve great things. “