Margot Celebrates Ten Years of Schoolreaders
- eperks1
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Margot Best, one of our very first volunteers, has marked 10 years of helping children learn to read – and in that time, she’s delivered over 3,000 one-to-one reading sessions at her local primary school in Bedfordshire. It’s an incredible achievement, and one we’re proud to share with you.
Margot, a retired Montessori Nursery Teacher from Flitwick, joined Schoolreaders in 2015 after hearing about us at a Women’s Institute meeting. Since then, she’s become a familiar and much-loved presence in her school community.
Each week, Margot has given 90 minutes of her time to sit and listen to children read. Over the years, she’s supported hundreds of pupils - helping them to grow in confidence, improve their reading skills, and enjoy their time with books.
“It’s a lovely school,” says Margot. “The teachers are so kind and the children are polite and well behaved. Sometimes they might only want to read a page or two - that’s fine. The important thing is that someone is listening to them.”
Margot’s support hasn’t stopped at listening to children read. She’s also been invited to talk to classes about her travels and her faith, and she’s attended school concerts and events, becoming part of the wider school community.
“The children do make you laugh,” she says. “You always come away with a smile. It’s lovely to see how many children want to read when you ask. A forest of hands goes up – it’s really endearing.”
Margot’s local school, Harlington Lower School, held a special celebration on Monday July 1st, to thank her for all she’s done. The Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Mrs Susan Lousada, joined the event to recognise Margot’s contribution.
“Ten years is a huge achievement,” she said. “Volunteers like Margot are the reason this important work continues.”
Headteacher Victoria Blunt agrees:
“Margot has helped so many children find joy in reading. Some arrive as reluctant readers – but thanks to her regular support and warm approach, they grow in confidence and look forward to their time with her. She’s made a real difference.”
We estimate the time Margot has given over the years is worth over £7,000 at the National Living Wage - but her impact goes far beyond that. She’s helped children gain skills for life, and her legacy will continue long after her final session at the end of this term.
“Helping children to enjoy reading is so valuable,” Margot says. “I like to think I’ve helped them along the way.”
Margot is now retiring from her role, but we’re hoping others will follow in her footsteps.
If you have just one hour a week to spare, you could help children learn to read and grow in confidence. We’ll support you with training and guidance- no teaching experience is needed, just a love of reading and a willingness to help.
“I’d encourage anyone to give it a go,” says Margot. “Go in with no expectations and just enjoy it. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
Help us continue Margot’s story and give more children the chance to fall in love with reading.
