ARCh – Assisted Reading for Children

Inspiring children to read

Celebrating 15 years inspiring a love of reading in Oxfordshire children, enhancing their well-being and improving life chances

Who we are: Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) helps pupils in Oxfordshire who struggle with their reading. We send trained volunteers into primary schools and aim to inspire in the children we see a love of reading. This will enhance their lives and improve their life chances.

Why we are needed: Oxfordshire has more than 16,000 children living in poverty; twelve of its wards are listed in the top 20% most disadvantaged nationally. Around 20% of children leave primary school with a reading level below expected and this has worsened following the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. In some areas of disadvantage this figure can be as high as 60%. This has an impact on children’s ability to learn across all subjects and severely affects their confidence.

How do we know it works: the schools we work with report dramatic improvements in reading ability and interest, comprehension, self-esteem, communication skills, and general attitude to school and learning.

Staff Vacancies

Interested in helping children develop a love of reading?

Please email info@archoxfordshire.org.uk for information


Vacancies subject to enhanced DBS check and references, as part of our commitment to safeguarding children.

The Queens Award for Voluntary Service