Freelance Literacy Workshop Facilitators

UK Reads is the UK-based charity of the global non-profit World Literacy Foundation, which works to eradicate illiteracy and promote equitable access to education. UK Reads specifically targets underserved children and communities across the UK, ensuring that every child has access to the literacy support they need to thrive academically and personally.

Our work focuses on closing the literacy gap for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. We partner with schools, libraries, and local organisations to deliver high-impact literacy programmes, distribute free books, and foster a love of reading.

We believe that literacy is the foundation of lifelong opportunity, and we are committed to ensuring no child is left behind because of where they were born or their personal circumstances.

UK Reads is seeking dynamic, passionate, and engaging Literacy Workshop Facilitators to join our team. As a Literacy Facilitator, you will be responsible for delivering inspiring and interactive literacy workshops to children and young people in schools and community settings across London, with a particular focus on East London.

Our workshops are designed to support key literacy skills including reading comprehension, vocabulary building, performance, creative thinking, imagination, communication, and - above all -the joy of reading. Sessions are child-centred, adaptable, and responsive to the needs of different schools and learners. Activities include interactive storytelling, games, drama-based literacy, and imaginative writing tasks that spark curiosity and build confidence.

Facilitators will also help deliver our whole-class or group Pen Pal Project—a volunteer-driven initiative that engages pupils in the power of letter writing. This project amplifies young voices, nurtures connection through communication, and encourages writing for authentic purposes. It is designed to help children fall in love with writing while developing empathy and self-expression and connecting them to peers in other countries.

This is a flexible freelance position with workshop opportunities varying monthly. Facilitators must reside in London and be available to travel across the city. A willingness to travel outside of London for special sessions or events is an advantage.

This role is ideal for someone who is highly organised, energetic, confident, and able to independently lead engaging, creative, and inclusive sessions. The successful candidate will bring a strong literacy background, a passion for working with children, and the ability to adapt in diverse and dynamic environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver literacy workshops and writing sessions independently or as part of a small team to children and young people in schools, fostering a safe, collaborative, and productive learning environment.
• Utilise your expertise to lead workshops, ensuring that participants get the most out of the experience and actively engage in literacy activities.
• Support in the creation of student-centred workshops that cater to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the community.
• Offer encouragement and motivation to participants to enhance their literacy skills and confidence.
• Support the Delivery Lead to ensure the smooth running of workshop days, including setting up activities and managing logistics.
• Ensure that workshop activities are safely and effectively implemented in an organised and professional manner.
• Participate in the evaluation of workshop and sessions delivery, gathering feedback from schools and students, and providing input for ongoing development and improvement.
• Attend virtual check-ins and trainings with the Delivery Lead or Programme Manager.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Support the Delivery Lead in developing and delivering targeted literacy workshops tailored to students' reading levels, interests, and compensation needs.
• Co-deliver Pen Pal Project writing workshops, engaging whole classes and supporting volunteers in the delivery of inclusive, creative writing sessions for children aged 5–16. Encourage writing enjoyment, fluency, and confidence in every session.
• Adapt workshop content to suit varying literacy levels and ensure accessibility and engagement for all participants.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience delivering educational or creative workshops to children and young people - particularly those focused on literacy, storytelling, drama, or performance.
• Strong literacy background and fluent command of English (written and spoken).
• Experience working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SENDs).
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and procedures.
• Current Enhanced DBS certificate (or willingness to obtain one).

Essential Skills:

• Ability to create inclusive, engaging, and age-appropriate content.
• Confident and enthusiastic presentation and facilitation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Highly organised and reliable with a professional approach.
• High energy, adaptable, and proactive in managing sessions.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with creative arts, storytelling, or drama as educational tools.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed or inclusive teaching practices.
• Experience working in diverse community settings or with EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners.
• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for interactive learning.
• Experience working with parents and caregivers

If you are passionate about literacy education and making a positive impact in the lives of children and young people, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.