News and Press
TLT helps youngsters to read
14 January 2008
Senior management, solicitors and support staff at TLT, based in Redcliff Street, are helping primary school pupils to improve their literacy skills and help develop their enjoyment of reading. TLT has 44 staff involved in the scheme - the highest number of any firm in Bristol.
The 'reading buddies' work on a one-to-one basis with pupils spending half an hour with them each week. Those benefiting include youngsters at Our Lady of the Rosary, Weston Park and Bank Leaze primary schools, all in Lawrence Weston.
“This is an exceptional level of volunteer commitment and enthusiasm from one firm. This scheme is designed to improve skills and confidence in reading and raise the aspirations of children and young people” said Jan Pritchard of the Extended Schools Partnerships in north Bristol.
The scheme operates with the help of Ablaze, a registered charity established by the business community in Bristol to bring together the enthusiasm and commitment of education, business and community to improve attainment, attendance and achievement in schools. All TLT staff involved are approved to work with children and receive full training.
Robert Bourns, TLT Senior Partner, said "There is real enthusiasm across the firm for this worthwhile scheme. We hope it will contribute to a measurably higher attainment in literacy of those leaving primary school. Involvement gives first hand experience of the challenges facing others and alters perceptions of all concerned."