Training services

We currently have details of two courses online and more will follow soon.

PARENTS AND CARERS AS PARTNERS

What is this?

This is a training course to enable parents and carers to support their children with their literacy skills in a practical, enjoyable and fun way. The skills learned can be used with children and young people of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers. This course has optional accreditation by the Open College Network at level 2.

How does it work?

The course has been designed in a flexible format to meet parents’ and carers’ needs. It can be delivered through weekly daytime or evening sessions, usually within one half term, or through more intensive daily sessions.
By the end of the course parents and carers will:

have learned how to spot reading difficulties and how to use techniques to address them
understand basic English grammar, spelling and the use of computers in literacy
have learned how to encourage mature writing skills
have developed awareness of the impact of cultural and social issues on reading development
appreciate the value of praise
be familiar with the national curriculum and home/school partnerships.

The course includes tasks to complete at home which will enable learners to put their learning into practice in a one-to-one fun partnership with each of their children. There is also an opportunity for their school literacy co-ordinator to attend a session and raise awareness of activities relevant to the school.

The course works most effectively with up to 20 participants.

It is delivered by experienced tutors who seek to respond to parents’ and to carers’ needs and to tailor the learning for the group.

What do we provide?

We would aim to work closely with the school regarding recruitment of parents and carers.
Where possible, we ask you to provide a venue for course delivery in school. If this is not available, we would identify a suitable local venue.

How much does it cost?

Non-accredited course: £750
Accredited course: £950

BECOME A READING LEADER!

KS4/ KS5 Literacy accredited training course

Become a Reading Leader!

This is a practical and fun ‘one-to-one supported reading’ workshop, designed specifically for young people in both KS4 and KS5. The course will give students the skills and confidence to partner a younger pupil who may struggle with reading. The course comes with an optional accreditation from the National Open College Network - level 2.

How does it work?

This one-to-one supported reading workshop is a flexible course which can be tailored to meet your school’s needs. The programme is intended to provide a taste of adult-style training and can be delivered as one, three-hour session or in two hour-long sessions, either on site or at an off-site location.

By the end of the workshop, your Reading Leaders will:

understand why some young people struggle to read
appreciate the effect this can have on learning ability and lives in general
have learned how we read
have developed practical techniques to help support reading
have received guidance on choosing texts, record keeping and confidentiality issues
be able to take responsibility and gain the experience of being Reading Leaders
feel confident enough to mentor younger pupils and
understand that this will help to improve the self-esteem of the struggling readers whom they will support

Reading Matters will also provide guidance on portfolio building for submission to the National Open College Network and on managing reading partnerships.
Refreshments are provided and to enhance the adult-style training experience a buffet lunch can be supplied as an optional extra.

What do we provide? What is needed?

You select the students (we recommend 10-15 participants) and arrange for them to be available to attend training.
If the workshop is to take place at your school we ask you to provide an appropriate room.

How much does it cost?

The basic price for the non-accredited course is £495 and for the accredited course, £745. However in the first instance we will discuss with you your particular requirements and then put together a quotation based on your choice of location, delivery method (one or two sessions) and to include any optional extras such as the buffet lunch and support material ‘goody bags’.