Frankie Smith, Chief Finance and Operations Officer at Bookmark Reading Charity, shares how the organisation delivers one-to-one reading support for children across England, and how VEDAMO supports this work alongside schools.
Who Bookmark Reading Charity Are
Bookmark Reading Charity is a UK-based literacy charity working to improve children’s reading confidence, fluency, and enjoyment of books. Partnering closely with primary schools across England, Bookmark’s One-to-one Reading Programme provides individual support for children who need extra help to build confidence and develop a positive relationship with reading.
Bookmark’s work is focused on promoting reading for pleasure, an evidence-based approach to approving children’s literacy – children who enjoy reading are nearly four times as likely to read above the level expected for their age. Through once or twice weekly sessions with trained volunteers, children are given the opportunity to practice reading, explore stories, play reading-based games, and experience the joy of reading.
To deliver this support at scale, Bookmark operates a hybrid delivery model, with the majority of sessions now taking place online using VEDAMO, alongside in-school provision where possible.
Bookmark Reading Charity partners with schools to support children aged 5-11 who are identified by their schools as needing additional reading support.
Children do not join independently; instead, schools select children who would benefit the most, and sessions take place while children are at school. Bookmark’s approach centres on one-to-one reading, recognising that many children need their own safe space to feel comfortable, build trust, and practice without pressure.
How Bookmark Delivers Its One-to-one Reading Programme
Bookmark’s reading support is delivered through a hybrid model, combining in-person and online sessions. While not every school can support online delivery, the majority of Bookmark’s sessions now take place online, allowing the charity to reach children across England.
Last academic year alone, over 2,000 children took part in Bookmark’s One-to-one Reading Programme. In the same period, Bookmark delivered over 40,000 reading sessions, with most of these sessions taking place through VEDAMO. Online delivery has become a key part of how Bookmark matches volunteer availability with children’s needs, while maintaining consistency and continuity in the programme.
What Challenges Bookmark Faced Before Using VEDAMO
As the reach of Bookmark’s One-to-one Reading Programmes grew, so did the operational complexity. Recruiting volunteers is an ongoing process: some volunteers stay for multiple years, while others step away due to changing life circumstances. At the same time, children’s needs vary, and schools differ in their capacity to host sessions in person.
Before using VEDAMO, Bookmark relied on a different online platform during the pandemic. While this demonstrated the value of online delivery, the charity needed a more robust long-term solution that could:
- Match volunteer capacity with children’s needs more flexibly.
- Support large volumes of one-to-one sessions.
- Provide strong safeguarding and oversight.
- Be intuitive for children and volunteers.
Online delivery was not just a convenience – it became essential for ensuring access, flexibility, and sustainability.
Why Bookmark Chose VEDAMO
After transitioning away from its previous system, Bookmark selected VEDAMO as the platform best suited to its delivery model and safeguarding requirements. Based on Bookmark’s experience, the following aspects of VEDAMO have proven particularly valuable:
- A clean, intuitive interface that helps children and volunteers focus on reading rather than technology.
- High-quality video that allows children to see the person supporting them, strengthening trust and connection.
- A built-in content library that helps keep sessions organised, up to date, and engaging
- Safeguarding features, including session recordings and oversight tools
- The ability to customise the platform so volunteers and staff see and use only what they need
- Strong, responsive support from the VEDAMO team, which Bookmark identifies as critical for safety and structurе.
Together, these elements allow Bookmark to deliver online reading sessions as a reliable and integrated part of its wider programme.
Technology That Supports Scale and Safety
Alongside VEDAMO, Bookmark uses Salesforce to manage data across their 10 literacy programmes and operations. This combination enables the charity to coordinate large numbers of children, volunteers, and sessions while maintaining oversight and consistency.
By reducing friction in administration and delivery, this setup allows Bookmark’s team to focus on programme quality, volunteer support, and the needs of the children.
Implementation and Adoption
The introduction of VEDAMO was described by Frankie Smith as intuitive and well supported, with the platform customised to fit Bookmark’s specific needs. While transitioning from a previous system required an adjustment period, particularly for volunteers, the change proved manageable, and children adapted well.
Over time, the online environment has become a familiar and reliable space, allowing Bookmark to refresh content regularly and increase the impact of each session.
What Bookmark Sees in Practice
Benefits for volunteers
Online delivery through VEDAMO gives Bookmark’s volunteers the flexibility they need to contribute consistently alongside other commitments. Volunteers can support children from different locations, making it easier to match availability with need and to sustain involvement over time. The platform keeps reading materials organised and up to date, enabling volunteers to focus on building rapport, encouraging reading practice, and creating engaging sessions rather than managing logistics.
Benefits for children
For children, online one-to-one sessions provide a calm and focused space where they can practice reading with a trusted role model. This format is particularly valuable for pupils who lack confidence and benefit from having their own space to feel comfortable and supported. Regular sessions help children build familiarity and trust, turning reading from a source of anxiety into a positive, shared experience centered on enjoyment and progress.
The partnership with VEDAMO is rooted in trust, safety, and shared responsibility. Strong collaboration and responsive support from the VEDAMO team have been critical in maintaining the structure and safeguarding required for one-to-one work with young children.
