Dolly Parton’s new literacy programme on the hunt for Volunteers in Maidstone and Medway

Dolly Parton’s new literacy programme urgently needs more volunteers in Maidstone and the Medway towns to help children become ready to read

Story Starters, a new collaborative project between national children’s literacy charity Beanstalk, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and LuCid (The ESRC International Centre for Language and Communicative Development), urgently needs people from Maidstone and the Medway towns to volunteer to help support nursery and pre-school children, aged three to five, learn the essential skills to become ready to read.

Research has shown that children who benefit from high-quality support in their early years start school on average three months ahead in their literacy and language skills, compared with children who don’t.  The programme has been made possible by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, whose Dream Fund chose Story Starters to receive £1 million in funding in January 2017

Ginny Lunn, CEO of Beanstalk, says “Beanstalk is excited to be working with our partners and local nurseries on our new programme Story Starters. We know how important it is for children in the early years of their education to receive support with their language development, as this enables them to start primary school ready to read and able to thrive throughout their lives. We are asking for people particularly from Maidstone and the Medway towns to come forward as volunteers now so they can be trained as Story Starters. As a Beanstalk reading helper myself, I know you’ll find it will be one of the most rewarding things you’ve ever done so do join us.”

Story Starters volunteers will visit children twice a week and support three children for 20 minutes each. The sessions are fun, interactive and hugely beneficial to the children receiving extra support. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will provide every Story Starters child with high-quality, professionally-selected, age-appropriate books. These books will be sent directly to both the early years setting and the home of each Story Starters child, ensuring that they can enjoy the magic of stories at home as well as when they are with their Story Starters.

You can apply to become a Story Starters volunteer by visiting www.storystarters.org.uk.