READY, STEADY, READ is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to improving literacy among primary school children in Hull and East Yorkshire. Registered as a charity under number 1169572, it was established in 2016 with a mission to help children develop essential reading skills, confidence, and a love for reading, thereby supporting their success in education and life.

History and Mission

Founded to address low literacy levels in the Hull region, READY, STEADY, READ focuses on providing targeted support to children who are falling behind in reading. The charity partners with primary schools across Hull and East Yorkshire to offer volunteer reading mentors, resources, and books free of charge. The organisation’s mission is to enable children to develop the reading skills necessary for academic achievement and future career opportunities.

Activities and Programs

READY, STEADY, READ operates primarily through a volunteer network composed of local community members from diverse backgrounds. These volunteers are carefully vetted, trained, and DBS checked before working directly with children in classrooms. The charity provides ongoing mentoring to improve literacy outcomes and boost children’s reading ages.

In addition to volunteer support, the organisation supplies dedicated reading materials and resources to schools, all aimed at fostering a lifelong love of reading among children.

Vision and Impact

The charity’s vision emphasizes the critical role of reading in opening educational and life opportunities. Recognising that children who lag in reading often struggle to catch up, READY, STEADY, READ strives to ensure all children have access to the resources and support needed to thrive academically and personally.

The organisation addresses broader social challenges linked to literacy in Hull, including educational underachievement, economic deprivation, and cycles of poverty affecting approximately 30% of children in the city. By improving literacy, READY, STEADY, READ contributes to enhancing employment prospects, reducing youth crime and antisocial behaviour, and supporting overall community well-being.

Governance and Values

READY, STEADY, READ is governed with strong safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable beneficiaries. None of the founders, trustees, or volunteers receive payment for their involvement; the organisation operates entirely on a volunteer basis and provides its services free to schools and children.

The charity’s operations are supported through local community involvement and partnerships, including opportunities for supporters to contribute via platforms like Amazon Smile.

In summary, READY, STEADY, READ plays a vital role in supporting children’s literacy development in Hull and East Yorkshire through volunteer mentoring, resource provision, and community engagement, working to break the cycle of educational disadvantage in the region.[1][2][4][5]

[1] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regId=1169572&subId=0 [2] https://readysteadyread.org/about-us/ [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5081933/governance [4] https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/charity/ready-steady-read [5] https://readysteadyread.org