TO say I was impressed by the headlines (August 19) in reference to the progress made by students in Key Stage One in reading due to the Reading Campaign would be an understatement.

“Delighted” of course but upon reflection a little surprised. As a teacher of 30 years this kind of progress in such a short time does not seem possible.

Looking at the information in the various articles it seems that there are 30 volunteers signed up through the Oxford Mail campaign working with these students, well these numbers do not add up – 54 schools signed up with 100 volunteers working with the students, now we are getting close to what is happening.

Then you dig into the information deeper you find teaching assistants working with these students. Then further effort reveals money to employ supply teachers to cover for training of staff.

Now the picture is becoming clearer the X Code books seem to be at the centre with resources from many directions, including the Oxford Mail Reading Campaign, county council, volunteers, teachers, teaching assistants and others coming together in response to the students’ needs.

There are more than 200 Assisted Reading for Children trained volunteers (ARCh) already in schools in Oxfordshire doing excellent work and must be credited with some of the recent published figures showing progress in reading across all schools In Oxfordshire.

We work with teachers, assistants and other volunteers to help the students with their reading but also spend time boosting the students’ self esteem and we work with them for a full year one to one. We are always looking for more volunteers, so go onto our website, http://www.archoxfordshire.org.uk, and enrol.

JIM YOUNG
Blythe Place
Bicester