Book Buddies

Book Buddies can work successfully with children to address reading difficulties and boost their reading age. The reading scheme supports the acquisition of good reading skills and is designed to improve the way children read, enabling them to be independent problem-solvers who read with understanding and enjoyment.

Book Buddies is a targeted, time-limited, one-to-one intervention.

Could you be a Reading Volunteer?

We are looking for parents, carers, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other grown-ups to read with our children at Air Balloon Hill.

Do you have any spare time to support children with their reading? We offer full training, support and sometimes tea and biscuits! If you would like to find out more, please contact

Becky Cox – bookbuddies@abhps.com

We will carry out an enhanced DBS check for all volunteers, as it is requirement

READ 2 DOGS – Pets As Therapy

The READ 2 DOGS scheme improves children’s enjoyment and confidence in reading. Research shows that when children share a book, with a registered PAT dog, they can become less stressed and less self conscious.

Leyan, a Blue Great Dane, her owner Diane and Mrs Cox listen to children read in a comfy area in school. When you see Leyan, please ask Diane if you are allowed to stroke her and make sure you wash your hands afterwards.

Please visit the Pets As Therapy website or see Mrs Cox for more information.

READ 2 DOGS

After reading with Leyan, Mason was inspired to read his book to his own dogs Bailey and Betsy. He said they are not as good as Leyan and need a little bit more training! But he did reward Bailey with a biscuit for good listening (Betsy was too fidgety to be given a one!) Happy reading Mason!

Silver Stories

Children phone a Silver Listener and read a short story or a chapter of their book to them. This helps our readers to become more confident in their reading skills and our Silver Listeners can enjoy listening to a story whilst they sit in a comfy chair!