More volunteers are needed to help Medway primary school children read to a national standard, as Key Stage 2 results slip and demand increases.

Children’s literacy charity Beanstalk is running a project in the Towns to form a team of volunteers who go into schools and spend one to one time helping youngsters improve their reading.

The scheme was set up off the back of worrying research from the charity which showed that hundreds of children in Medway are leaving primary school without having reached the national standard of reading.

Initially Beanstalk hoped for 80 volunteers, but now the charity is looking for 95 by the end of December. They will help almost 300 children across the Towns.

Recruitment executive Sarah Smith said: “We have placed over 25 volunteers into Medway primary schools in the first two weeks of term and they will provide reading support to 75 children during the current school year.

“We have had to increase the overall number we are aiming for, which reflects the growing need for this help in the area. We’re looking to get up to six volunteers in many of Medway’s schools.”

In August Medway recorded the country’s worst set of Key Stage 2 results, according to government statistics.

Just 73% of pupils got their level 4, compared to 80% in Kent and nationally. It put Medway below last year’s performance of 75%.

The charity is running training in the middle of the month so is keen to get any more sign ups as soon as possible.

Sarah added: “We’re really doing well, but there is a real urgency to get these people as soon as we can so what we can begin to help these children.”

The team have held a number of events to boost awareness and were at Strood Library on Tuesday, dishing out leaflets and encouraging people to help.

The idea is to inspire youngsters to want to read by introducing them to material they enjoy, at the right difficulty level.

All applicants are interviewed, checks are carried out and a reference is required.

For more information and to register your interest, visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 01622 662026