Frequently Asked Questions

We ask our Reading Helpers to dedicate at least one hour each week during the school term. If you know you will be absent, we will find another volunteer to take your place in your class while you're away.

Yes. You can choose the day or days, and we will work with the school to find a suitable class. You can change your scheduled days if your circumstances or preferences change.

Yes. However, if the school you have chosen already has enough volunteers, we will offer you a partnering school near you.

The classroom teacher will tell you.

No, the classroom teacher will provide the books.

Yes.

Yes. If you plan to volunteer under this arrangement, please mention it in your application form.

Yes. You will meet other Reading Helpers at your school, and there are opportunities to meet the wider Reading Friends community at morning teas and other social events. While we try to organise as many opportunities as we can, we also encourage and support our volunteers to meet up outside school.

Yes. An initial induction session is compulsory before you start. While this session is delivered online, we can also arrange for training in person if needed. Reading resources and information for our volunteers are available on our website, and you will be notified directly of any upcoming training opportunities.

Yes. If you want to help in other ways other than reading in school, there are volunteer opportunities behind-the-scenes, such as admin, organising social activities, media and communications, training and research, or fundraising.