Springboard for Children
Springboard’s literacy lifeline for disadvantaged children
Government statistics show that in England every year, 6-7% of 11-year olds – around 35,000 children – leave primary school with very poor literacy levels. There are many reasons why children fall behind at school: some are dyslexic; some do not have educational support at home; others are emotionally disturbed and cannot concentrate in class; many do not have English as their first language. Without basic literacy skills, these children risk ending up in young offenders' centres.
Springboard for Children offers primary school children a ‘literacy lifeline’ – the special care of a committed adult who will give them consistent, high-quality support to improve their literacy skills.
Springboard works in deprived inner city areas where there is high unemployment, crime, inadequate housing and little support for children.
How the Cinven Foundation helps Springboard
The Cinven Foundation’s contribution to Springboard for Children funds a multi-year literacy programme at Heathbrook Primary School in south London. The school serves a diverse community, reflected in the varied background of its pupils, whose ages range from three to 11. Many have English as an additional language and a high proportion have special educational needs.
The programme is run by a qualified literacy tutor who supports four trained volunteers. They help children like Jessy*, a seven-year old with literacy problems. When Jessy was referred to Springboard, her teachers were concerned about her poor writing skills, lack of self-confidence, low levels of interaction with other children, and inaudible, unclear speech. Jessy needed constant support from tutors, did not start conversations, showed little facial expression or enthusiasm and lacked motivation. She would usually respond to questions with a simple ’yes’ or ‘no’.
After just seven months with Springboard for Children, Jessy’s abilities have improved significantly. She has gained ‘phonic’ reading skills. She starts conversations, makes eye contact and is inquisitive. In the classroom, she is more self-confident and interacts with other children. Jessy is making steady progress and is catching up with her peers, although she still needs specialised support.
‘We value each and every person who donates time, money or energy to Springboard and every donation makes a significant contribution to the children we teach,’ said Janet Law, Fundraising Manager. ‘We are grateful to the Cinven Foundation for continuing to support our work. Its grant has made a real difference to the lives of needy children and we are confident it will continue to do so.’
* the child’s name has been changed to protect her identity
