We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!  

Who are Literacy Pirates?   

Through our term-long after-school programmes, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.  

Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance.  

What does a Volunteer do?  

As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.  

Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children in breakout rooms.  

You will:  

• Receive full training.  
• Gain experience working with children and leading small groups online.  
• Develop your communication, leadership, problem-solving and digital skills.  
• Take part in games and have fun. 
• Be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.  

We offer:  

• Employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us. 
• Work placements for students.  

What are we looking for?  

We ask volunteers to give just four afternoons per school term, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!  

Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays. 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.  

All we ask is that you:  

• Are aged 16+ 
• Must be a UK resident  
• Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)  
• Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role) 

Apply via our website and start your training! https://literacypirates.org/volunteer/.  

If you have any questions or wish to discuss completing your work placement with us, please email volunteering@literacypirates.org.