VOLUNTEERS are wanted for primary schools in the Paddington area. The schools involved are part of a national project to accelerate the learning of pupils, through oneto-one tutoring followed by volunteer support for up to a term.
The project is called Making Good Progress and has been launched by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Some children on the project will receive up to 10 weekly sessions of intensive individual tuition from a qualified teacher and the schools are looking for volunteers to give at least 10 hours more, either to spend time reading with the children, or working with them on number skills. The volunteers are being recruited by the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP).
Anyone who can spare a couple of hours a week will be welcomed. All volunteers will receive training and work alongside teachers or teaching assistants.
Spending time with children on an individual basis can make a real difference to their self-esteem, to their level of reading and maths skills. And we find both the children and the volunteers get so much enjoyment out of the time together each week.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme was launched in 1989 and is part of Community Service Volunteers.
Its aim is to encourage anyone over 50 who has time and energy to spare to become a volunteer.
Anyone who becomes a volunteer for RSVP receives training, support and insurance. I am the local schools organiser and I can be reached on 020 7643 1322 or e-mail jthomson@csv.org.uk
More information can be found on www.csv-rsvp.org.uk
Judi Thomson RSVP/Making Good Progress Co-ordinator
