Every Child Our Future appoints two new team members

Sunday 04 February 2018

After 18 months of "inspiring growth" and a significant rise in the number of volunteers and children supported, Every Child Our Future has now appointed two new team members to help expand its activities.

Cliff Chipperfield has joined the Every Child Board of Directors while Lucy Le Poidevin will be taking on the role of Literacy Programme Support Officer.

Mr Chipperfield, the recently retired Director of Inclusion and Family Support in the Education department, has been a "huge supporter of the charity since its inception and has been integral to its success." With over 30 years working in the education sector, he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Every Child team.

Ms Le Poidevin has a background in marketing and publishing. In her new role - partly funded by the Association of Jersey Charities - she will help with various aspects of the charity, including raising its profile on the island, working with businesses and with volunteers. 

Having initially been launched in four town-based primary schools in September 2016, Every Child has now extended its reach to operate in 13 non-fee-paying schools on the island. There are currently 480 reading volunteers from companies, secondary schools, Highlands College, the public sector and from the local community who support some 750 children and see inspiring results in every school.

Video: An explainer on what Every Child Our Future does. (Facebook)

“It’s had a massive impact on their writing as well as their reading. Spellings have improved, legibility and length of writing has developed and confidence has grown across all areas of the curriculum," a local teacher commented.

As interest from new schools grows, Every Child is well on its way to having a presence in all 22 States primary schools, providing volunteers and other forms of expertise to close the education gap for those struggling to read.

Deputy Rod Bryans, the Minister for Education, commented: “We are delighted with the significant successes the children on the programmes have achieved thanks to our partnership with Every Child. It boosts the children’s confidence to see how their reading improves, as well as being hugely fulfilling and rewarding for those adults who read with them. We are delighted to see the growth of the charity and would encourage anyone with a free hour each week to help a child to sign up as a volunteer.”

Nick Kershaw, Chairman of Every Child Our Future added: “Every Child has grown dramatically over the last 18 months and we are thrilled to witness the huge difference that extra support can give to children who are struggling. We would like to thank our volunteers as none of our success could be possible without their support. As Every Child continues to expand we look forward to being able to help every Jersey child reach his or her full potential and give them the best possible educational start in life.”