Each Springboard for Children centre is run by a qualified Springboard Teaching Coordinator (project manager). A team of trained volunteers support the Coordinator and together they teach a predetermined number of children. The Springboard centre is fully equipped and self contained and school staff are given opportunities to observe teaching and share ideas for supporting children in the classroom.

Children receive twice weekly 30-45 minutes sessions in a ‘safe’ environment outside the classroom. Each session follows a tailored, individual and multisensory programme, providing children with a huge boost in confidence and a sense of achievement. Targets are set out each term in an IEP and the child’s progress is monitored by termly reviews and other ongoing assessment and feedback.

Pupils referred for our support will all have literacy difficulties as a main area of concern. They will normally have been on the school’s Special Needs Register, receiving some extra support from within the school’s own special needs resources, in line with the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice (DCSF, 2001) (e.g. group work with a learning support assistant). We believe that early intervention is key to enabling children to achieve their potential. We encourage schools to identify and refer children who are having significant difficulties with literacy as early as possible. Although we do not limit the age at which pupils can be referred, the majority of new referrals should come from Key Stage 1.

Some children spend less than a year on support but in most cases children referred to Springboard for Children are likely to receive support for between one and two years. We discontinue support with a pupil as soon as the Springboard tutor, class teacher and SENCO agree that the child is able to engage in class work at a level which is comparable with their peers. If a pupil completes two years on Springboard for Children support a more detailed review is undertaken to enable decisions about the best ongoing provision for that child to be made.

The staff at Springboard for Children is made up of qualified practitioners (graduates with an additional Level 5 qualification in Specific Learning Difficulties or higher) and volunteers who receive detailed training, regular supervision and on-the-job support. Each school will have at least one qualified Springboard Teaching Coordinator (project manager) and a team of volunteers. The Teaching Coordinator will liaise with the school staff and SENCO and take responsibility for the general running of the Springboard unit. For more detailed information on our staff team follow this link.

Following an initial assessment, children will be placed on the most suitable of the following literacy programmes:

• SoundWorks
• Springboard for Children Junior Literacy Programme

Each programme is structured, cumulative and multi-sensory and takes into account the child’s particular strengths, weaknesses and needs. The lessons are phonics based and, through small steps, the child is given strategies to cope with literacy. A termly IEP and review is written for each child.

Springboard for Children values dialogue with the class teacher and wants to work together with teachers, LSAs and TAs and any other professionals working with the child. We aim to provide regular updates and a flow of communication between all involved. School staff involved with supporting the children are welcome to visit the Springboard for Children centre to talk to Springboard tutors and look at resources.

Initially the school notifies the parents that their child is starting to receive support from Springboard for Children. Building relationships with a child’s parents is considered especially important and Springboard tutors endeavour to meet with parents at least twice a year.

To find out more about the costs and resources required to have a Springboard Centre in your school please contact us :

Southwark and Lewisham Hub Manager: Janet Bristow
T 020 7921 4556 | E janetbristow@springboard.org.uk

Lambeth and Islington Hub Manager: Julie Milnthorpe
T 020 7 921 4554 | E juliemilnthorpe@springboard.org.uk

Manchester Hub Manager: Joyce Gbeleyi
T 07795 513 039 | E joycegbeleyi@springboard.org.uk

We plan to continue to expand the work we do. If we do not already operate in your area please do not hesitate to contact us to find out whether your location is included in our current plans.

Springboard for Children are also now offering training for Teachers, Teacher Assistants and Learning Support Assistants, please contact Carolyn Clarke for more information or download our programme here.

Strategic Development Director (Education): Carolyn Clarke
T 020 7921 4552 | E carolynclarke@springboard.org.uk