Springboard

Intervention description

Springboard is a family of programmes which aims to improve literacy in challenged schools and communities through one-to-one tuition. The programmes are currently implemented primarily in socially and economically disadvantaged areas in London and Manchester.

There are four programmes: Springboard Expert (Primary), Springboard Expert (Secondary), Springboard Essential and Reader Leader. Springboard Expert, available for primary or secondary students, involves one-to-one tuition in a school-based Literacy Centre led by a Centre Manager (a graduate with an additional Level 5 qualification in Specific Learning Difficulties or higher).

Students follow a programme of intensive, multi-sensory, literacy tuition involving two sessions a week of up to 45 minutes each. Progress is recorded in an Observational Profile which is reviewed and updated each session.

Springboard Essential is a volunteer-led literacy support programme in primary schools. It involves trained volunteers providing one-to-one support to three children twice a week. Key aspects of the sessions include phonic reinforcement, developing a love of reading, language development and comprehension. The intervention is flexible, using a mix of resources provided by the school and by Springboard.

Lastly, Reader Leader is a peer reading programme for secondary schools. Leader tutors (typically Year 9-13 students) are trained to deliver one-to-one tutoring and support to Year 7 and 8 students who struggle with literacy. Key personnel are trained alongside the tutors, so that they know how to facilitate the sessions and to independently expand the peer reading model to reach other Year 7 or 8 students.

Staffing requirements

The interventions are delivered by skilled tutors, trained volunteers or secondary school peers.

Professional development/training

Key personnel are trained for each of the interventions

Evidence Summary

Springboard has not been included in any systematic reviews into the effectiveness of educational programmes.