FURTHER to Jim Young’s letter “Reading between lines” (June 20), ARCh is a registered Oxfordshire charity, currently working with around 700 primary school children to impart a love of reading via a network of 240 volunteers.

Each volunteer commits to twice weekly sessions with three children, sharing books and games which the charity provides. Our volunteers work with the same children for an entire year, and they develop a supportive mentoring relationship and get to know the children well so that they can find books that will hook them into reading.

The work of ARCh has positive impacts on reading ability of course, but also on children’s communication skills, confidence, self-esteem and attitude to learning in general.

It is therefore very different to the 10 week intervention offered by OCC Reading Campaign.

We have invited Melinda Tilley to meet with us so that we can share the results of our work with her and explore possible ways in which the county council can support ARCh in the future.

There is excellent work taking place throughout Oxfordshire primary schools via teaching staff and various different organisations.

It was encouraging to note improved results in reading at Key Stage One last year and we feel sure that this trend will continue due to these combined efforts. ARCh continues to expand but more volunteers are needed.

Please contact the ARCh office on 01869 320380 or via archoxfordshire.org.uk if you can help.

JANE RENDLE Development manager ARCh, Suite C, Gobles Court, Market Square, Bicester