Springboard
Tel: 020 7582 5487
Registered Charity Number: 1124257
Springboard is an education charity working in deprived inner city communities. Its aim is to increase the literacy abilities of primary school children predicted by their class teachers as unlikely to make progress in these crucial skills without specialist, long term intervention. It works in 10 London schools and 2 Manchester schools supporting over 300 children who may have specific learning difficulties like autism or dyslexia, emotional problems, lack parental support or for whom English is a second language.
In keeping with Sofronie Foundation’s belief in education as a key to overcoming disadvantage, Springboard gives children the skills - and aspiration - to fulfil their academic potential.
The majority of children referred to Springboard, who are usually on the Special Needs Register, are over two years behind their classmates. It operates at a local level with qualified tutors and trained volunteers who deliver one to one literacy tuition using innovative techniques. Children have two 45-minute lessons a week for as long as they are needed - teaching is tailored to each child’s requirements according to detailed individual assessment. They have the same tutor throughout their time in the programme.
Springboard has rigorous methods for tracking children’s progress and children take reading and spelling tests once a year. In 2007/8 the average improvement in reading for children in their first year on the programme was 2.2 months’ progress per month of tuition. 86% of children finish the programme having caught up with their peers.
The way the scheme works brings added benefits to children’s school experience and capacity to achieve. The relationship formed with the tutor and the ‘can do’ attitude the tutors inspire, mean that not only do the children’s reading, writing and spelling skills improve - they also develop greater self esteem and confidence. This personalised assistance can encourage children to engage in all areas of school life.
An independent valuation of Springboard published in November 2009 found concrete evidence of improvement in children’s writing and of support for the programme from school staff and children alike. Class teachers welcomed the change in attitude in the children and their increased participation in lessons. Children enjoyed the sessions and the solid relationships formed with their personal tutors. The evaluation concluded that Springboard ‘merits extension’.
Springboard is part of the Dyslexia-SpLD Trust which is a consortium of organisations involved in promoting improved practices and outcomes for individuals with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. www.thedyslexia-spldtrust.org.uk
Sofronie Foundation is contributing to a three year Springboard programme at Lark Hall Primary School in South London with a total grant of £58,722 for 2009/12.