Sarah’s story
For the past nine years, firefighters from Humberside Fire and Rescue Service have encouraged children to enjoy reading and develop their literacy skills in a partnership with North Lincolnshire Council’s Words Count team and local schools.
Trained to become reading champions by the Words Count team that I work in, over the years the firefighters from Green Watch and White Watch Scunthorpe Fire Station have supported thousands of children at 26 schools.
“It is nice and calm reading in the library with them and nice to read with someone different. I am enjoying it and love getting to play Top Trumps too!”
Key Stage 2 pupil, Scunthorpe
The project aims to support pupil’s attainment in reading, reading for pleasure, reading comprehension, children’s communication and listening skills, confidence and self-esteem, develop aspirations and experience positive role models within the community. As well as individual reading sessions, the firefighters play games that support reading, maths and building relationships.
One of the school support staff we worked with recently stressed how valuable it is for the children to have the one-to-one time with these professionals, and how much the children love having the chance to engage and share their worlds with the wonderful servicemen and women, who are viewed as heroes in the community.
“You might not hear a child say ‘I remember learning about comprehension in school’ but you will hear them say ‘I remember reading to a firefighter’ and that is the lasting impression these servicemen and women bring to our young people.”
Pastoral Manager, primary school, Scunthorpe