Children visit reading buddies at TLT Law Firm

Children from Bristol primary school, Weston Park Primary, visited the Bristol headquarters of top 100 law firm TLT this week to see where their reading buddies spend their working days.

The seven children, aged 10 - 11 years, were invited to TLT's offices to see where their buddy worked and get an idea of what they do, giving them a taste of the working world. The children also had a tour of the building and ate lunch with their reading buddies.

As part of the 'Ablaze' reading scheme, senior management, solicitors and support staff at TLT have been visiting primary school pupils at three schools across Bristol for the past year. The scheme aims to help local children improve their literacy skills and improve their confidence in reading. TLT currently has 44 employees volunteering on the charity scheme, with each child benefitting from 30 minutes each week with a reading buddy.

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.

The children's teacher, Jan Antonana says, "Staff at TLT have made a huge difference to these children not only by improving their reading skills but also by enhancing their interpersonal and social skills and broadening their horizons."

Robert Bourns Senior Partner at TLT says, "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."

Jan Pritchard of the Children and Young People's Services - Extended Schools Team adds, "This is an exceptional level of volunteer commitment and enthusiasm from one firm".