There are two opportunities towards the beginning and end of the school year for children to meet their Chapter One Reading Volunteer:

- The Autumn Meet and Greet (an introductory wave!)

- The Summer Reading Celebration (a chance to reflect on progress!)

Both events are a great opportunity for the children and reading volunteers to say “hello” to each other, outside of their weekly Chapter One reading sessions. They are key moments which deepen the volunteer-pupil connection and celebrate a child’s reading success. The Autumn meeting, particularly, really helps to enhance reading sessions for the rest of the year, as everyone is able to put a ‘face to a name’, given the programme relies on audio connection and has no video.

Autumn Meet and Greet

• A friendly introduction at the start of the school year
• Gives your child a chance to say hello and wave to their volunteer
• Creates a stronger connection for future reading sessions
• Will usually take place virtually via Zoom or Teams

Summer Reading Celebration

• A chance to celebrate your child's reading progress at the end of the school year. Your child will receive a special Chapter One Activity Book and a certificate of reading success
• An opportunity to reflect on achievements, and for your child to spend time with their volunteer
• Will be held in-person wherever possible (some may need to be virtual)
• Many volunteers travel considerable distances to attend these celebrations!

How we keep your child safe

We take safeguarding seriously at all our events. Volunteer names, DBS numbers and issue dates can be supplied to schools in advance of all events.

For in-person events, volunteers are asked to bring photo ID and DBS certificates when they attend, and for your additional reassurance, all volunteers have been vetted by the company for whom they work.

For virtual events, a “waiting room” facility is activated and monitored by your Programme Manager, so all participants are verified before entering. Volunteers are encouraged to use a screen name with which their Chapter One child is familiar. Volunteers are also advised that clothing, logos, background and screen names must be child-appropriate.

Chapter One Programme Managers facilitate all of our events, and volunteers are never left alone with a child or children. Volunteers are advised that if they want to gift any snacks, they must be nut-free and healthy. Our policy on gifts is made clear to volunteers in advance - gifts (including snacks) should be for the whole class not individual children, to avoid upset.

What our teachers and volunteers say

“It was fantastic to meet with you and the volunteers today. The children really enjoyed meeting up with them. The children have really enjoyed the experience and have made fantastic progress.”

- Teacher, London

“The Chapter One reading platform is a fantastic way to help children practise reading in an environment which is safe and inclusive for both participants but getting the opportunity to see and speak to your reading partner face to face in a chaperoned environment really adds to the overall Chapter One experience and gives both the reader and their partner the chance to build their relationship a little further whilst retaining the appropriate safeguarding controls.”

- Volunteer, London

Photography

Your Programme Manager might take some photos of volunteers and children (who have photo consent) during the event. Of course, if any children who do not have consent end up in the backs of photographs, they will be blurred.

We share guidance with our volunteers regarding photo policy and expectations, and no photos are taken by volunteers.