Case Study: Herne Junior School

At Herne Junior School in Hampshire, reading is at the heart of their educational focus. With the guidance of Lynne Tandy, the school’s SEN Assistant and Lexia Coordinator, Herne Junior has seen tremendous success in using Lexia to enhance students’ reading skills, particularly during challenging times.

A Strategic and Flexible Approach to Literacy

Lexia was already in place when Lynne joined Herne Junior in 2019, but it wasn’t until the school’s response to COVID-19 that the full potential of the program became clear. During the lockdowns, Lynne took the opportunity to explore Lexia more deeply. “I started to really grasp how it worked and where we could go with it,” she explained. This was the beginning of a more structured approach to the program, which evolved to include early morning sessions, targeted interventions, and support for both in-school and at-home learning.

Initially, Lexia was used as an early morning intervention with Year 4 and Year 5 students, but Lynne quickly saw the benefits of expanding its use. After suggesting a more consistent, daily approach, the program evolved into a crucial part of students’ school day, with children attending Lexia sessions Monday to Friday before lessons. This consistency allowed students to see significant progress, with many achieving impressive levels of success

Tailored to Individual Needs

Lynne believes what sets Lexia apart from other literacy programs is its comprehensive approach to addressing reading gaps. “Lexia is the complete package,” she said. It provides a personalised experience for each student, helping to identify and address gaps in knowledge early on. For example, Lexia’s auto-placement test helps pinpoint where students need the most support, and the Skill Builders offer targeted exercises to reinforce specific areas. By using Lexia consistently, students not only close these gaps but also build their confidence and set themselves up for success.

Creative Implementation

At Herne Juniors, Lexia is integrated creatively into the school day. The morning sessions, which include breakfast and Lexia practice, are a popular way to kick-start the day. These sessions are celebrated with rewards and recognition, motivating students to engage with the program. Lynne and her colleague foster an atmosphere of positivity, with regular encouragement and a sense of community. Students are eager to share their progress, and the excitement is palpable when they see their own growth.

For those who can’t attend the morning sessions, Lexia is woven into their school day with the help of class teachers. Lynne monitors students’ progress closely, even if they complete Lexia at different times, ensuring they continue to make strides.

Notable Success Stories

One standout success at Herne Junior is a young student who entered the program shy and lacking self-esteem. After completing 1,119 minutes and moving up three levels in Lexia, her confidence skyrocketed. Lynne praised her determination, noting, “She bounds in every day now, and it’s been amazing to see the transformation.”

Additionally, two other students have progressed by three levels, with one completing over 1,000 minutes of Lexia practice. Lynne attributes much of their success to the continuity of daily engagement with the program. She emphasises, “We’re definitely on a positive learning journey for our children.”

Motivating Students with Rewards

Rewarding success is an essential part of the Lexia experience at Herne Junior. Lynne and her colleague make sure to celebrate every achievement, from completing units to moving up levels. “Any little thing that I can think of, I will do,” Lynne said. Students are given house points, stickers, and certificates, and the classroom atmosphere is one of constant positivity.

As part of their reward system, Lynne also organises special activities like sensory play with slime and bouncy balls, which are a hit with the students. These incentives help students see the tangible benefits of their hard work and foster a sense of accomplishment.

Advice for Other Schools

For schools just beginning with Lexia, Lynne’s advice is simple but powerful: “Give yourself the time to really look at the program and how it works.” She recommends starting with a small group of students or even creating a test account to explore the program’s features. Understanding Lexia’s vast capabilities is key to delivering it effectively and ensuring pupils’ success.

Herne Junior has also found the support from LexiaUK’s Implementation plans and reviews to be extremely helpful, allowing them to target their efforts and set clear goals for improvement.

Through a combination of creativity, consistency, and personalised support, Herne Junior School has achieved significant success with Lexia. By integrating the program into the school day, motivating students with rewards, and using data to guide their approach, Lynne and her colleagues have made a lasting impact on their students’ literacy skills. Herne Junior is a shining example of how Lexia can be used effectively to support students on their literacy journey.