Beanstalk tackles illiteracy at Milton Keynes primary schools

And they are asking the community to help bring the joys of reading to children across the new city.

Nationally 11% of children leave primary school unable to read well and have a negative attitude to reading.

Beanstalk, which has been supporting children for over 40 years, aims to rewrite this story through training individuals as reading helpers.

Each individual provides two sessions of support per week to the same children for a full year.

This therefore provides much needed consistency and support to those children who need it most, as well as boosting their confidence and wellbeing.

“It’s usually the simplest of ideas that are the most effective,” said MP Mark Lancaster, who visited a Beanstalk reading helper last week at Brooksward School.

“It was clear that Jim and his young student were thoroughly enjoying their time together and both were finding it as valuable as each other,” he added.

“I very much hope Beanstalk Charity are able to encourage more MK volunteers in the coming months.”

“This is a great time for Beanstalk as we grow in the area, and we are really excited to be able to support even more children and tackle illiteracy,” added Beanstalk representative Rebecca Carter.

“Our volunteers are invaluable to our organisation and we’re hopeful that we will build an even stronger network in the area.”

For more details about Beanstalk and how to get involved visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk.