The Bank’s renewed partnership will support the ECOF Reading Recovery Programme in Jersey, which benefits the lowest literacy achievers in Key Stage 1. As part of the Programme, each child receives one-to-one teaching for 30 minutes a day for between 12 and 20 weeks, depending on their rate of progress.

Both ECOF’s wider literacy initiative and Reading Recovery Programme have already received significant support from HSBC through funding and employee volunteering over the last three years, resulting in a demonstrably positive impact on children within primary schools across the island.

Between 2017 and 2018, 80% of the total number of pupils who completed the full programme and top- up reading programme were noted as having made significant progress. Pupils who completed the full programme attained an average reading benchmark gain of 13.1, significantly higher than the expected progress of those without the programme’s support (1.5).

Nick Kershaw, Director, Every Child Our Future, commented: “We are delighted with HSBC’s decision to extend its generous support for another three years. HSBC was there for us from the start of our literacy programmes. No doubt the strong evidence of the difference that Reading Recovery makes for those children most struggling to read contributed to their readiness to provide continued funding and volunteering. On behalf of those children who will now stand as good a chance of a successful future at school and beyond as their classmates, we thank them wholeheartedly.”

Commenting on the renewed partnership, Chantal Le Goff, Head of Sustainability, HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man said: “Developing good literacy skills during a child’s early learning years is fundamental to their ongoing education and transition into the workplace. Every Child Our Future has a clear commitment to improving and inspiring the education of our young islanders and recognises that this is so important for ensuring equal opportunities in Jersey.

Future proofing the employability of the island’s youth is at the very core of HSBC’s community strategy and through HSBC’s pledge to renew our partnership for a further three years, we can ensure the Reading Recovery Programme remains available to benefit those pupils in need.”