Reading Software Testimonials

HMI Monitoring Report for Ridge Hill Primary School, Tameside:

“The additional provisions such as the … ‘Lexia’ programme to support the development of reading skills are providing effective support for those pupils who participate…the gap between standards attained at the school and those seen nationally is narrowing.

Pupils are enjoying lessons more and are much more engaged in their learning. They particularly enjoy… phonics lessons, in which they explore the sounds that letters make, because they can actively participate and are challenged in their thinking…pupils are making better progress in reading… .”

HMI monitoring report from school in Special Measures.

Alwoodley Primary School, Leeds

We are currently using Lexia as a Wave 3 intervention with Y4, 5 and 6 pupils for two months. The progress our children have made in a small amount of time has been phenomenal. They have all increased their reading age by more than 4 months and 50% have increased their reading age by between a year and 18 months.

The software appeals to children because it is colourful, contains animation and sound and enables them to monitor their own progress and to work at their own pace.

Lexia has more than fulfilled our expectations. We have been incredibly impressed in the short time we have used this program and would thoroughly recommend it.

C. Pattenden, Y6 Teacher

Birchwood Primary School, Kent

Because the Quick Reading Test is so quick and easy to administer, we use it to identify gaps in the phonetic understanding of all our Y3 & Y4 pupils. We get instant feedback on a child’s abilities, and use this information to select the appropriate support material from the Lexia reading software.

Colin Haetley, Head Teacher

St. Mary’s Primary School, Droylsden

We use Lexia across KS1 and 2 and found the program placement very quick and easy using the Quick Reading Test.

We use Lexia in two areas:

Our computer club- children come to use Lexia before and after school. They are extremely motivated as they realise they are learning. The program gives instant feedback by filling the activity ladders in.

After a recent visit from our Educational Psychologist, an Y6 pupil was re-tested after using Lexia for 4 months. He had made significant progress in reading and spelling: Spelling: 9th. To 21st. Percentile. Reading: 19th. To 47th. Percentile.

We also use Lexia as part of our SEN teaching. We put pupils through Lexia on a daily basis by running a carousel system. Using Lexia means more children can be withdrawn from classes for tailored learning at their own level i.e. personalised learning.

All children enjoy using Lexia. The only problem is getting them off it!!!

Paula Barrett and Keeley Kay, SENCo

Holy Trinity C of E Primary, Oldham

Holy Trinity C of E School is a small primary school with mixed year groups in KS2. Our recent Ofsted inspection rated us as outstanding in all six areas of inspection.

We chose to use the Lexia Foundation Reading program with a group of six children, 2 from Y3 and 4 from Y4. By initially using the Lexia Reading Assessment we were able to place the children at appropriate levels on the program.

The program was run for twelve weeks in the Autumn Term. The children were withdrawn from class for 3 x 30 minute sessions each week, supported by an LSA. The Neale Analysis was used at the beginning and end of the twelve weeks to assess reading rate, accuracy and comprehension.

Only one of the children failed to make the expected rate of progress, but this highlighted to us that this child has more exceptional needs. All five other children have made gains in their reading accuracy beyond the 3 month increase, with two children making more than double the expected increase and one child making three times the expected increase.

A noticeable result is that in nearly all of the children their reading rate has slowed down but their levels of comprehension have made increases of up to 18 months. Within class these children are now able to access more written information and consequently can work and concentrate with more independence.

All of the children have enjoyed using Lexia so much that they have asked to continue it next term.

The Lexia Foundation Reading program has been simple to set up and administer. More importantly it has produced the results we were seeking, both in terms of the progress made with the children’s reading and also with their motivation.

Gaynor O’Ryan, SENCo.

Priory School, North Tyneside

Lexia is used 4 times weekly for 15 students during silent reading time. (1.15-1.30pm). the students work in the ICT suite, under the supervision of a support assistant.

Most of the children absolutely love the programme, and were devastated recently when the absence of the support assistant did prevent them from using the programme.

They eagerly ask ‘is it Lexia time?’ I’ve only re-tested 2 children, so far for review meetings and so far the progress is very pleasing. It is very good to be able to graphically demonstrate progress to parents.

Mrs Melbourne, School Teacher

Badger Hill Primary, York

The program enthrals the pupils. Their self-esteem is raised instantly through positive input and feedback. The program identifies weaknesses and allows the children to address their learning difficulties in a ‘fun’ way.

The beam on the children’s faces speaks volumes. LSA’s are confident in its use and they feel as though they are making a positive contribution to the children’s learning.

Mrs L.P.Rennolf

Eastbrook SpLD Base

Base As a resource base for 30 primary schools, we recommend Lexia Basic Reading as a useful programme to boost older KS2 pupils’ basic reading skills. Target pupils are SpLD- trialled the programme 2 years ago for Autumn Term with Year 6 pupils.

Pupils enjoyed the programme, became more motivated, gained confidence, and enjoyed working independently. Pupils found ‘E-Maze’ and ‘Find & Combine’ levels tricky. We made individual pupil record cards, so progress, details of the programme were written down.

Sue Payne, SENCo

Woolgrove School, Herts

Lexia is becoming very popular! The teachers, who have used it so far, are singing its praises and the pupils have shown their achievements in the Friday ‘Star’ assemblies with great pride. I am really looking forward to next term — when my class get to use it.

Sue Selley, Head of juniors

Ridgeway Primary School, South Shields

We currently use the Lexia programme with our pupil with moderate learning difficulties, 3-5 timetabled sessions each week. It is also used by other children who have IEP’s (individual Education Plans) as a valuable resource to support their targets.

The children and I can see instantly where they have improved after each session, this in itself boosts self-esteem.

Also, reports can be compared and overall achievement can be viewed or printed for record keeping purposes. Regular users are able to access their individual programmes independently and with little supervision, which increases their self-esteem again.

V Lumley, SENCo Support Teacher

Marriotts School, Hertfordshire

Reluctant Readers enjoy Lexia – they think of it as a game. Most students’s using Lexia so for 2 x 20min/week. Some others manage a little more.

Gives practice with phonics – identifies areas of difficulty. A student’s reading age has risen from 6:05 to 8:09 in 10 months.

Mrs Monica Fox

St Mary’s R.C School, Bridlington

We use the Lexia Programme with 18 children in our school. 6 in year 4, 6 in Year 5 and 6 in Year 3.

We began the trial with 11 children in the November. 2 children in Year 5 made considerable gains when the trail finished after 4 months, 8 children made small gains. We have since purchased the programme and tested another 7 children to go on the programme, 9 of the children are on the SEN register, and 9 are either area of concern of have been seen to have lower R.A than expected.

The children enjoyed the programme and are always willing and eager to go on watch day. It increases independence and the children like the fact that they don’t need any adult support which SEN children often need.The teachers in all three classes have seen improvements concentrations.

The programme is effective in the way it only moves children on when they progress to a certain level. It prints reports that are very comprehensive and immediately allows us to see which area a child has struggled with.

Mrs S Clarke, SENCo

Poppleton Road Primary School, York

We use Lexia programme with approx. 20 children throughout KS2. Most are at SA+ and 3 have a diagnosis of dyslexia/dyspraxia.

The children have been working on Lexia twice a week (sometimes 3) for 30minutes each session. Two Year 6 children have completed the basic programme and are currently working through the advanced programme. Pupils comments are positive, comments include: ‘Lexia is fun’, ‘It has improved my concentration’ and ‘This is best kind of learning for me.

I’ve never found a fun way of learning literacy since this!’ Lexia has been a big success in terms of motivation, concentration, self-esteem and confidence building. It is easy to use and manage and as an intervention programme is fantastic. I am hoping to extend its use to other identified groups of children, particularly in KS1.

Judith Hands SENCo KS2

Westfield Community School, Somerset

Just a quick note about Lexia Cross Trainer; the parents of a child came in to thank me for letting their child take part in the trial as her attitude to maths had improved to such an extent she was actually wanting to come to school for the first time ever. She said that she now had an understanding of maths which she could never seen before.

Gill Wood

Whale Hill Primary, Cleveland

The Children responded well to the intervention and needed no persuasion to engage with Lexia. This was particularly impressive, given that Lexia interventions all took place as an ‘extra’ input at lunchtimes.

Boys appear to have been particularly successful using Lexia, motivated no doubt by the visual learning opportunities provided through ICT. All in all, we have been really impressed with Lexia as a package.

We could certainly recommend it to others. As part of a range of very successful interventions, Lexia has undoubtedly worked for our children and we plan to incorporate it accordingly into our future provision.

Norma Newell, Head Teacher

Bankside Primary, Leeds, West Yorkshire

We were looking at a way to assess children new to the school that was effective and quick. We also wanted to be able to track their progress to be sure we were meeting their needs.

Many of our children come from other countries and for most this is the first real formal education in English. We are happy with the software and service we have received. It is meeting our needs and providing useful knowledge to better educate our children.

We are happy with the product.

Mrs Tammie Prince

Parent using Lexia for child at home:

May I take this opportunity to thank you and your company for your great kindness and trust to allow me the opportunity to have these products for trial. My son is on the Autistic spectrum and your programs have helped and greatly improved with the following:

1. Auditory Discrimination: Tobias was struggling to discriminate between quiet sounds like f, b and t at the beginning and end of words. He is now consistently and correctly discriminating between these sounds.
2. Identification of sounds in words enabling him to correctly spell cvc words he had never been able to do before. I had tried to use —– ——- for nearly two years to achieve this with no success.
3. Pronunciation: as he has become more aware of the sounds that make up words this has greatly improved his pronunciation and his speech is a lot clearer.

Your programs have helped Tobias far beyond reading. What is great is that it is very easy to use and he can see his progress updated in a chart which he finds very motivating. I have posted your details on a special needs forum, advising other parents to buy your software.

Zobeeda Madsen

St Cuthbert’s RC, Walbottle

We are currently using Lexia program with the children who have been underperforming in KS1 with reading. They are all making some good progress in reading. ‘I like to play the games’ class 1 child.

We have been using Cami Malus since Easter and the children in my class enjoy the activities.

We use Cami Maths on the interactive whiteboard (whole class) laptop for individuals. Individuals have enjoyed working through the exercises and have become absorbed in the activities.

Melanie Batey, SENCo

Lumley Infant and Nursery School

I am very impressed with the web based Lexia Programme. All of our children from Reception to Year Two log onto Lexia each week and have their own personal reading programme.

The trial over the Spring and Summer Term has been very positive and has had a significant impact on pupil progress and reading confidence. The trial consisted of groups of pupils from each Year Group. We have extended this to all pupils in the school. The web based version is easy to use and can be accessed using mobile technology in the classrooms.

Teachers can access pupil data easily and any where! I would certainly recommend that all schools in Col 1 migrate to the new software. The programme is simple to use and reports can be genersted quickly.

The Lexia skills builders are useful for consolidation and extension tasks. They could be useful for homework tasks.

Tracey Wilson- Headteacher

West Earlham Junior School, Norfolk

The kids are really enjoying the web enabled version and look forward to their sessions. This is so much easier for us to use. Prior to the web version we had Lexia on one laptop where I was lucky to see kids once a month – now it’s almost once a day for some of them.

SENCo, West Earlham Junior School

Bluebell Primary

Lexia is used across the Keystages 1 and 2. It gives children regular practice in areas that they find difficult. Being computer based engages the children as they perceive it as a game rather than learning.

Children concentrate for longer periods- this could be due to using headphones. As well as gains in reading ages, it boosts the childrens confidence and this spills into other areas of their learning.

Trudi Sharred

Breckland Park School

Lexia is used by pupils in the classroom. They have a timetable and use it daily. This is so they can use it unsupervised.

We regularly print off the reports to see where pupils are struggling, and use this information for their IEP targets.

Pupils enjoy the programme as it is visually stimulating and cannot wait until it is their turn.

Jennifer Hill ( HLTA)

Wensum Junior School

I can’t recall any children not enjoying using Lexia- all are happy to log on and have to be asked to log off! We have not used it long enough to measure gains yet, but when we trialed Lexia with two particular pupils they made double the expected rate in their reading test.

Monica Kirkland

Brookfield Special Primary School, Northern Ireland

How we use it and its benefits

We have been using Lexia with our children who are experiencing reading difficulties. We initially used it on trial, but we have now purchased the license for it. We use it across 5 classes, mostly with children in Key Stage 2.

The programme is extremely user friendly and does not impose additional work for the class teacher. We find that the programme is easily accessible and straightforward to operate within the busy classroom. Teachers organise their use of it in different ways. Some use it as the children arrive into class in the morning. Others use it as part of their literacy taskboard.

The management of it is flexible. We feel that the way in which Lexia is an individual programme for each child is of particular benefit, as children do not progress through the tasks unless they have mastered the previous task. Repetition and extension activities provide much reinforcement.

The charts and graphs are easily accessible and straightforward to interpret. They are a helpful diagnostic tool for teaching as they indicate exactly where a child is encountering difficulty in phonic skills.

At all times I have found the Lexia personnel to be extremely helpful with any queries we have had.

Hilary Milligan

Lionwood Junior School

The new Lexia programme is currently in use every day across the school. Children from all year groups enjoy a short 20 min burst, generally three times a week.

These sessions take place during morning fitness, assembly time and sometimes during guided reading sessions or during the afternoon.

An adult is in attendance for sessions to ensure children are confident in the tasks. Although most sessions are computer based, some use the Lexia worksheets to help support and consolidate.

The benefits of the new Lexia programme are many, and include

• The test now tailors a programme very much for the individual child.
• The worksheets have proved invaluable for consolidation and support.
• The lesson plans have provided helpful guidance to structure sessions.
• It is clear which children are struggling and how to effectively support them using the additional materials.
• The computer programme and additional materials work effectively side by side.
• The certificates and homework have proved useful.

As a result of the trial, the school has now bought into the new Lexia

Jane Fisher

Send First School

The software is very user-friendly. The children especially enjoy coming into the ICT suite to use Lexia. “I really like this”, “It is good fun” and “I can’t wait to get to the next bit”. Are some of the positive comments we have had from children.

One child in particular has really progressed very well using the software and this has given the child the confidence to try as hard in class as he does in the ICT suite.

In short the time we have been using the Lexia programs we have been pleased with the results and the progress our children have made. We particularly like the options in the program which enable the teaching staff to differentiate by level and activity.

This ensures the individual learning needs for every child are supported. The reports enable teaching and support staff to review each child’s progress by activity on a daily, weekly, monthly or termly basis.

Emma Richardson

Fairfield Primary

We currently use Lexia on our laptops within each year group 3 to 6. The Teaching assistant uses Lexia across three classes within the year group to target pupils with specific literacy difficulties.

The Foundation reading has helped to build phonological awareness and this has had an impact on their reading development, confidence and self belief in their own reading. The children really enjoy and focus during their weekly sessions.

Well done for a brilliant programme.

Mrs. S. Cutts

St. Joseph and St. James Primary

We took part in a trial for the Lexia phonics programme and we were amazed at the results. Using an independent testing system the majority of the children taking part in the trial showed a dramatic improvement in their reading age.

On average the children’s reading ages increased by a year in the space of two months. One particular child’s reading age dramatically increased by 1 year and 7 months.

The school has now purchased the Lexia licenses and are looking forward to implementing the programme on a more significant scale within the school.

I would not hesitate to recommend the Lexia programme to any school – in addition to the above results the children loved the programme and were highly motivated by the graphics; I also found it to be very user friendly.

Catherine Ann Downey, School Literacy Coordinator

Croftway Primary School, Blyth, Northumberland

As one of our children put it “it is perfectly perfect and you feel a sensational feeling when you complete a level and get a certificate”. The children really enjoy doing this which is always a good thing and they are really keen.

Andrew Brown, Teaching Assistant

Kelvin Grove Primary School, Gateshead

Whilst there are a number of IT based reading packages on the market, I have been very impressed by the ongoing guidance and support that LexiaUK has provided our school.

High quality CPD has ensured that all staff are confident to deliver the programme and can support individual children to address misconceptions as they are identified. Although it is still early days at Kelvin Grove, I know from my previous school in Northumberland that Lexia is a highly effective intervention tool which can make a significant contribution to raising standards and accelerating pupil progress in reading.

Andy Jones, Head Teacher

Benfield Junior School, Shoreham

Lexia provides the opportunity for a large group of pupils to work on word level reading skills, at their own pace, managed by one Teaching Assistant. This is more cost effective than the usual wave 2 programmes where TAs work with groups of 5 or 6.

A. Muir, Brighton & Hove Support Service

St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School, Hartlepool

We have trialled Lexia throughout the summer term with targeted pupils in Key Stage 2 and across classes at Key Stage 1.  The analysis provided by the company is excellent, and monitoring of the site guides the school as to where they need to provide intervention if a child levels out, and when a child is ready to leave the programme.  We are keen to move forward with this software as we see it as a very effective intervention tool for children struggling to develop reading and spelling skills.

Mary Frain, Head Teacher