Spotting literacy challenges early, before small problems become big hurdles
ALPACA is an engaging, one-of-a-kind game-based screening tool that looks into literacy skills at the onset of phonemic awareness (Reception-aged children), helping teachers to spot literacy challenges early, before small problems become big hurdles.
ALPACA gives laser-guided insight to SENCOs and School Management, helping them understand where to deploy precious learning support resources to have the greatest impact, in a time-efficient and targeted manner.
ALPACA has been used to screen over a quarter of all children aged 4-6 in Ireland. We are looking to replicate a pilot programme in 100 English Primary settings involving upwards of 2000 Reception-age children.
Access to ALPACA will be free to all schools that participate in the 2024-25 pilot.
Teachers or Teaching Assistants who manage individual school participation will also qualify for a CPD-Certified Certificate for participating in and contributing to this exciting, high-impact early years innovation.
The science is compelling. The earlier literacy needs are identified and addressed, the more likely a child will reach age-related expectations by the age of 6.
- ALPACA is cost- and resource-effective.
- Children love ALPACA.
- Schools are quick to embrace the opportunity.
