Sizewell C is being built to power millions of homes in the decades ahead. But through a reading scheme in Leiston, the project is already helping power something else: young minds.
Employees from the nuclear power station development are spending time with pupils at Leiston Primary School, helping to build confidence, improve literacy and foster a love of reading through its Reading Partners scheme.
The initiative forms part of Sizewell C’s community volunteering programme and supports literacy by linking employees with local pupils for one-to-one reading sessions.
Trudie Crow, who works in the company’s regional external affairs and development team, was among the first to get involved.
“I loved reading as a child and spent a lot of time in my local library with my head in a book,” she said.
READ MORE: Suffolk summer reading challenge launches with 'curious creatures'
Her enthusiasm for literature continued into adulthood. After leaving school at 16, she later studied with the Open University and completed a BA Honours degree in literature. She is also a member of a monthly book group.
“So, the interest in reading has always been there and never left me!” she said. “I wanted to share that joy and didn’t hesitate to sign up for the Reading Partners scheme.”
The project currently supports pupils at Leiston Primary School, close to Sizewell C’s offices.
Each Tuesday morning, Trudie visits the school and spends time reading with at least three children. Pupils take part individually, working through a range of age-appropriate fiction books before discussing what they have read.
“I follow up by writing a small comment in their progress book,” Trudie explained.
The sessions are designed to give children extra reading practice while creating a relaxed environment where they can talk about stories, characters and ideas.
Trudie believes this personal approach can make a real difference, especially for youngsters who may lack confidence.
“I believe reading really fires the imagination – and working one-to-one creates an intimate creative space for the children to feel confident about sharing their thoughts around their reading,” she said.
Alongside reading aloud, conversations often focus on storylines, illustrations and language.
“It’s good to keep it informal and chat with the children to find out what they like about both the narrative and pictures, look at grammar and ask them what they enjoy about the story,” she said.
“It’s all encouragement on my part.”
READ MORE: Help us finish our story for a chance to be published in a special keepsake magazine
Teachers are already seeing positive results from the programme.
Leiston Primary School assistant head Glen Joyce said: “The support from reading volunteers at Sizewell has made a real and lasting difference to our pupils. Not only are children growing in confidence and fluency, but they’re also developing a genuine love of reading.
“Pupils look forward to these sessions every week, and the time and care the volunteers give is truly invaluable to our school community.”
For Trudie, some of the most rewarding moments are often the simplest.
“When I knock on the classroom door and the children spin round to wave hello and ask to take part – that’s just fantastic,” she said. “The biggest compliment for me has been a high-five from one of the readers!
“My aim is to make them feel proud of their reading achievement and ultimately engaged with reading to the extent that they want to do more.”
Sizewell C is also supporting other literacy projects, including the Leiston Book Festival, Ipswich Book Festival and a forthcoming writing competition with Alde Valley Academy.
Trudie believes the Reading Partners scheme benefits pupils and volunteers alike.
“By taking part, I feel more connected and committed to my local area,” she said. “It also gives the pupils confidence to learn, develop an imaginative and creative mindset and, hopefully, instil a love of books.
“I definitely urge other companies to set up such partnerships,” she added. “I believe reading is good for wellbeing and can take us to a happy place.”
This story is published as part of Born & Read in Suffolk, a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, headline sponsor Sizewell C and sponsor Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
Share