My Story

Give a Child the Gift of Reading

The Challenge:

Access to books: An estimated 1 in 7 UK schools don't have any dedicated library space. 12% of disadvantaged children report not having a single book of their own (National Literacy Trust, 2023)

Lost Skills: 275,000 children left primary school last year without basic reading, writing, or maths skills (CSJ, 2023)

Missing Out: 305,000 children did not attend school at all last year and are "missing" or "ghost children", which also presents safeguarding risks (The Education Policy Institute, 2024)

Falling Behind: 41% of children aren't meeting reading standards by the end of primary school (DfE, 2023)

Limited Opportunities: Struggling with literacy often means facing long-term unemployment or low-paying jobs, trapping children in cycles of poverty

The Solution: 

Reading Oasis transforms schools by creating inspiring reading areas, with thousands of brand new books, that help children fall in love with reading and improve their literacy skills and wellbeing. These welcoming spaces are tailored to the local culture as well as the curriculum, and open doors to imagination and growth.

Real Results: "93% of children reached the expected reading standard, up from 60%." – Abi Hopper, Nightingale School

Community Impact: Reading Oasis connects parents, teachers, and volunteers, building a strong support network for children.

See the difference: Watch how Reading Oasis transformed Dormers Wells School.

A Child's Story

"I didn’t like reading before, but now I love it! The stories are fun, and I can read them all by myself." – A child participant in the Reading Oasis programme.

When children discover the magic of reading, it transforms their confidence, wellbeing and learning experience, creating lasting change.

Make a Difference

'25 in 25!' aims to transform 25 UK schools with a Reading Oasis library in 2025.

You can be part of this transformation. By supporting Reading Oasis, you help children break free from the cycle of poverty and develop the essential skills they need for a brighter future.

Every contribution matters. Please donate today, to bring the joy of reading to children across the UK.

Contact Us
Email: [email protected] | Website: www.unitedway.org.uk