Government statistics show that every year in England around 6-7% of eleven year olds, approximately 35,000 children, leave primary school with very poor literacy levels (Every Child a Chance Trust, 2009 (1)). Children fall behind for various reasons: some are dyslexic, many do not have English as their first language, others are emotionally disturbed and cannot concentrate in class, many do not have educational support at home. Approximately 20% of children in primary schools are registered as having Special Educational Needs (DCSF, June 2009 (2)).

Denied the chance of acquiring basic literacy skills, these children risk ending up in young offenders' centres before their adult lives have properly begun. As an education charity Springboard for Children works to change the effects of underachievement and social exclusion among children in deprived communities.

(1) The long term costs of literacy difficulties – 2nd edition’, Every Child a Chance Trust, January 2009.
(2) Statistical First Release (SFR 14/2009), DCSF, June 2009.

Springboard for Children teaches children from inner city areas, currently operating across London and Manchester. There is often high unemployment and crime, inadequate housing, little support and few opportunities surrounding the areas these children live. Our vision is to see underachieving children in deprived areas of the United Kingdom recognise, value and achieve their true potential. Springboard for Children provides individualised literacy teaching, building skills and confidence through an affirming relationship between tutor and child. We also represent children’s needs and aspirations to those whose decisions will impact their lives.

Springboard for Children was founded in 1992 by committed Christians. Our work began at Oliver Goldsmith Primary School in Peckham, South East London, and was designed to bring hope to underachieving children, regardless of their faith or background.

Springboard for Children works within primary schools and the majority of children referred to us are on the Special Educational Needs register. We work on a one-to-one basis with the children to provide intensive literacy support, additional to any support they may already be receiving in class.

Springboard for Children has a team comprising of qualified staff and trained volunteers and provides a cost-effective way of giving children with learning difficulties a supportive long-term relationship. Each child has an allocated tutor and is taught using a structured, multisensory, phonic based programme, as advocated in the Rose Review ‘Identifying and Teaching Children and Young People with Dyslexia and Literacy Difficulties (downloads a 1.57 mb PDF)’ (DCSF, 2009, p.14)

This has been our core methodology since our foundation; we are clear that this form of teaching is best for those with literacy difficulties and our overall results reflect the success of our intervention.

• We see each child as unique and irreplaceable, whatever their ability, creed or race.
• We are committed to high standards, providing the best possible service through continual re-evaluation of all we do.
• We are committed to open, honest and ethical relationships and business practices.
• We are committed to making the best possible use of all resources invested in us, whether time, talent, money or trust.