A team of volunteers at Stockport-based insurance software house, CDL, have been sacrificing their lunch-hour to return to school. Not because they miss the playground or the smell of chalk, but to help provide a group of students at local Cheadle Heath Primary School with additional numeracy and literacy support.
Since November last year, staff have been volunteering as Reading and Number Partners, and taking part in weekly sessions that involve playing fun arithmetic games, and supporting their partner on an individual basis to read a book of choice.
The sessions also give students the opportunity to meet and interact with interested and committed adults from the wider community, helping to improve levels of confidence, self-esteem and communication skills, as well as broadening their knowledge of different career options.
Helen Trueman, Learning and Organisational Development Manager at CDL commented:
“Being a Reading Partner has been a brilliant experience. It’s really rewarding to see just how much progress each child has made since the scheme began, and I find myself really looking forward to each session. CDL is always on the look-out for new ways to make a positive difference within the local community and it’s great to see so many colleagues get involved.”
CDL supports its people to take time out from their busy schedules and partake in worthwhile programmes, such as the Number and Reading partner scheme, through the CDL100 initiative. This entitles employees to a bank of 100 days to volunteer within the community and forms part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. CDL is also a member of the national charity, Business in the Community (BITC), which helped organise the scheme, and has helped CDL to implement new initiatives that contribute to sustainable futures.
Christine Meekley, Headteacher at Cheadle Heath Primary School, added:
“We are really pleased that CDL have committed to supporting children in schools through the highly acclaimed Business in the Community enterprise. Engaging in a one to one reading session really motivates pupils and encourages them to read.”