Children’s literacy charity Doorstep Library has launched its first Impact Report. At a time when the Coronavirus pandemic and a year of lockdown has had such a devastating effect on children we know that our home-reading service is working.
In 2020 we commissioned the social enterprise Future Proof Impact and Purpose to compile a detailed impact report, looking at how we at Doorstep Library achieve our broader aims.
Here’s what we found out:
- 94% of children report an increased confidence in their reading
- 70% of volunteers agree that the children they support are now more ready for nursery or school
- 58% of volunteers observe parents continuing to read with their children in between sessions
- 69% of families have attended services or activities Doorstep Library has signposted to them
- 97% of children rated their visits as ‘Really Good’ or ‘Great’
To carry out this report we reviewed the project data we capture and more than 120 surveys were completed by parents, volunteers and our young readers. To supplement this, interviews were conducted with parents and volunteers to gain an additional level of insight into the issues faced by those involved and the outcomes realised. The final report looks not just at the changes we see in the children we visit, but it also paints a picture of the landscape we operate in.
Katie Bareham, Director, Doorstep Library said: “We are delighted to launch our first Impact Report and the results speak for themselves. We see the value of the work we do every day, with every child and every visit, but it is important for us to be able to communicate that broadly to others. This report shows the positive impact that our home-reading service has on children and families in disadvantaged areas.
Doorstep Library has been around for 10 years now and we are growing. We don’t just bring books and share stories, we also encourage family bonding and community engagement. We aren’t just there for a quick fix. We visit families for as long as we’re needed and that’s how we know we are creating change that will last a lifetime.
With the Prime Minister announcing ‘emergency’ plans to improve children’s reading standards after the shocking impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on literacy, and the rapidly increasing educational attainment inequalities – we know our services are never more needed.”
Read the full report here: Our Impact
Download the press release: Impact Report Press Release
