Primary school pupils supported by law firm staff

Pupils from a North Tyneside primary school have been supported in developing their reading and literacy by staff from a Newcastle law firm.

Volunteers from Sintons have spent time over several weeks mentoring and helping children from Amberley Primary School in Killingworth with their reading.

The visits, part of the national Right to Read initiative, have involved children aged between seven and 10, from school Year 3 to Year 5. Over the course of several sessions, Sintons staff have worked with the same small group of children to listen to them read and encourage their progress.

The law firm is a passionate supporter of Right to Read, a programme run by Business in the Community, which aims to support students in their literacy development, while improving their confidence, communication skills and attitude towards reading.

Tony Rigg, headteacher of Amberley Primary School, said: “This has had a very positive impact on our children. Over the course of the programme, the children have had one-to-one support with their reading from the Sintons volunteers, who they have come to know and enjoy spending time with.

“Their progress with their reading has helped to build confidence, and the children spending time with adults from outside the school helps them to become aware of careers and opportunities for them later in life. Right to Read has been an excellent programme for us, and one we hope to continue to be involved with.”

Michelle Brannen, Regional Programme Manager North East at Business in the Community, said: “Our Right to Read programme does not only substantially increase a child’s reading level, but it also builds a child’s self-esteem and aspirations and presents children with positive role models from the world of business.

“We are delighted and very grateful that Sintons have continued to support the programme as it is invaluable to our local schools.”

Phil Ridley, practice director at Sintons, said: “Right to Read is an excellent initiative and one which gives children a great opportunity to develop their literacy skills. We are delighted to be involved and colleagues have thoroughly enjoyed helping the children at Amberley Primary School, who have shown great enthusiasm.

“We have a very strong commitment to CSR at Sintons and donate 80 days of colleagues’ time each year to supporting our local community. We are only too pleased to be involved in worthwhile initiatives such as Right to Read.”