Simplifying Payment Options for Easter 2017
Simplifying Payment Options
We want to simplify the payment option that we offer. We have been finding it difficult to concentrate on tutoring and administering payments at the same time. Occasionally we make mistakes and missed payments are very time consuming to follow up. Also, the card machine is expensive and Charlotte (our new Administrator) can’t always be here.
Weekly Payment
Ideally we would make everything monthly direct debit, however we know that would not work for some people. We have tried to keep the option of weekly payment using our ‘Autopay’ system (we will need your card details). Autopay is an online payment system that you can access through your parent login. You can make weekly, monthly or one-off payments to us using this.
No More Card Machine
After Easter we will no longer have the card machine, and Autopay will be our only card payment system. (This also saves us money on machine rental so we can extend the discount we give!)
Cash Payments
We will still accept cash as long as they are for a half term or term in advance (with a 5% discount).
Summary of Payment Methods:
Weekly Autopay only £30 a session
Monthly Autopay only £30 a session
½ Termly Autopay or cash £32 a session with a 5% discount
Termly Autopay or cash £32 a session with a 5% discount
You can still use cash to make advanced payments (half term or full term) and will still receive a 5% discount.
P.S. Childcare payments remain unchanged. You can also login yourself and make payments via the website.
Great Creative Writing
The Angel Fish by Finley aged 8
We loved this wonderful description of an Angel Fish by Finley aged 8. He loved writing it and felt really proud of what he had achieved so we thought we would share it.
‘The magestic Angel Fish was slicing through the water like a knife slicing through cucumber. The curved fins were like a machete with grey and silver stripes like a tabby cat. Eyes as red as a tomato stared at the colourful coral. The spinnaker shaped dorsal fin glided through the water as the fish swam along.’ Finley 8
Double Success in Common Entrance Assessment!
Common Entrance Assessment

Some schools have a common entrance assessment for entry to senior school. Twins, Tom and Sophie came to I Love to Learn as their parents were told that they were below expected level for their year. This would put them in danger of not being able to progress to the senior school of their choice. After only 9 months, they have caught up and surpassed the expected level for English Comprehension and maths.
Both of them loved coming to the centre and looked forward to their session each week. They have massively grown in confidence and they love their improved performance in class tests (they are both very competitive)!
Malcolm (their dad) said, “Great communication and feedback was key, and we loved the guidance of how to continue to make progress during the holidays. We can’t fault it. We have stopped for a bit as we are moving house, but we will be back in the summer term.”
Click here to find out more…..
Christmas Competition
Can you guess the number of gold coins in the box?
We are always thinking of ways to have fun learning maths here at I Love to Learn! One important skill is estimating numbers of objects to help learn quantity.
Santa has helped us by providing golden coins for our children to count – but how many are there? Write down your guesses at our tutoring centre and we will announce the winner of an exciting age-appropriate prize very soon. Watch this space!

Entrance Assessments for local Independent Schools
Here are the 11+ entrance assessment dates for independent schools in Portsmouth 2017.
One of the fastest growing areas of our business is children wanting to prepare for independent school entrance exams. I thought it might be a good idea to make sure everyone has the dates they need.
The entrance exams always cover maths and English to a high level. They also usually test something called verbal and non verbal reasoning. These are designed to be more difficult to prepare for as they are not taught in school. Verbal reasoning is concerned with language and words problems while non-verbal reasoning looks are logic, shape and number patterns.
Here is a testimonial we received earlier.
“We are so pleased that Mahera has got a FULL BURSARY for the local girl’s high school in Portsmouth. She has been to your centre before for tuition but we came back in November so she could get ready for the exams. She has worked so hard and Linda has really encouraged her in her writing! Thanks so much!”
Portsmouth High School
11+, 12+, 13+ or 14+
Saturday 21st January.
Portsmouth Grammar School
11+ and 13+ Entrance Assessment
Saturday 28th January
Mayville High School
All Candidates Sit Exam
Saturday 14th January
Boys Assessment Day
Wednesday 18th January
Girls Assessment Day
Thursday 19th January
St John’s College
11+ Entrance Assessment
Saturday 21st January
Call us if you want to find out how we can help for next year.
No More Maths Anxiety!
She now talks about her ‘Maths Abilities’!
“My 12 year old daughter has experienced maths anxiety since Year 3 and on returning to school after the summer holidays into Year 8. This anxiety was heightened due to school pressures. We discussed strategies that may support her in her learning, having heard such good things of I Love to Learn, made an appointment for a free assessment.
Keen to Attend
The analysis of my daughter’s results suggested there was a difficulty in understanding the language of maths in addition to some gaps in her learning, despite being in top set for maths in her school. My daughter was keen to attend the weekly session as she had enjoyed her assessment so much.
‘I Am Thrilled’
At the time of writing this testimonial, my daughter has had only 5 sessions and her confidence and ability has increased significantly. She talks of enjoying maths and of her abilities in maths instead of her inabilities, participates more in maths lessons at school and is keen to do her maths homework, both from school and from the sessions.
As a parent I am thrilled that her confidence has grown significantly and would recommend I Love to Learn without hesitation!”
VACANCY-ADMIN ASSISTANT
ADMIN ASSISTANT VACANCY
Job title :P/T Admin Assistant
Closing date : 13/07/17
A part-time administrator is required to help support a thriving after-school tuition centre. Hours are flexible during daytime or early evening.
Enthusiasm and the desire to do a great job is more important than experience and qualifications. Candidates must be good communicators, flexible and enjoy working in a child friendly environment.
You will require a Criminal Records Bureau check. The job is dependent on suitable references.
The hours required are: 8 hrs per week min
The rate of pay is £9.50 p/hr
Please contact us on 023 93 968626 or email your CV to tutors@ilovetolearn.co.uk
www.ilovetolearn.co.uk
How it works
How It Works
Tutoring children to learn and love the journey!
Enthusiasm-Honesty-Commitment-Professionalism-Patience-Joy-Excitement–Fun-Overcoming-Achieving-Challenge
What we offer
- A FREE Assessment for every child
- A dedicated learning space with bit of ‘Love to Learn’ magic
- Expert tutors who are dedicated to your children
- A professional individual lesson plan
- Fun ways to work through computer activities, structured worksheets, workbooks and audio resources
- Honest, regular feedback and re-assessment of progress
Loving to Learn:
Work your child Can Do!
After the assessment we use the result to make an individual plan for your child. It will focus on any areas of weakness and allows us to set work at the right level. We will give your child work that they can do so their confidence and feeling of success returns.
Professional Tutors
Our tutoring consists of one-on-one tuition in a small group with a fully qualified teacher. We will discuss and explain the work to your child (and not just plough through worksheets). We see the best progress from children who are with us for six to nine months.
As everyone works in different ways so we cannot guarantee progress. We ask that the homework given is completed so we can check how students are getting on when we are not around. We also ask that students attend as regularly and punctually as possible. We want to make every minute count, so it is important the learning process is not disrupted.
Loving the Journey:
We will give honest verbal feedback at the end of every session. Once the child has reached the goal agreed, we will recommend that the child be re-assessed or graduated from the programme.
If you want to discuss progress or anything else about your child, please do not hesitate to make an appointment with us. We never want to waste anyone’s money so you are not locked in for any period of time. If for any reason you want to stop you are free to give two weeks notice.
Registered with OFSTED
I Love to Learn is registered with the OFSTED ( No. EY387054), and adhere to strict regulations with regard to the recruitment and vetting of staff. This will provide you with peace of mind when you send your child for tutoring the best possible teaching from experienced, qualified teachers. An additional benefit of choosing us is that you can pay for our services with childcare vouchers.
Tutor Profiles
Tutors at I Love to Learn
Howard Jones:

is the Centre Director. He is a secondary teacher with over 13 years experience and has now tutored 6 to 16 year olds for 12 years. Howard loves to teach all topics but especially senior Maths. He is passionate about education and seeing children reach their full potential. He enjoys politics, running and reading; but not at the same time! He is married to Linda and they have two fantastic children.
Linda Jones:

is the Co-Director with Howard. She has a huge amount of primary experience, having been a Literacy Coordinator in West Sussex, and Literacy Development teacher here in Portsmouth. Linda is now dedicated to perfecting students’ skills through tutoring. She finds working with children energising! She also enjoys cooking and playing Boggle.
4 Study Habits for the New Academic Year
4 Study Habits for the New Academic Year
It’s back to business after the freedom and fun of the summer holidays. Let’s hope our children will have the excitement and enthusiasm for a new year motivating them through the first term. Forming a few good habits early can help them when facing new challenges later.
Effective study skills can often make good students into great students. Here are four great study habits to help your child get the most out of their learning this year.
- Study Planner-schools let children know the topics they will be studying nowadays. Make a long term plan of the year ahead to help focus their learning and avoid last minute cramming.
- Study Schedule-stick to regular homework sessions on a timetable making as it will become part of the daily routine.
A calendar and a weekly plan leading up to due dates will give everyone a clear view and help in allocating time to getting things done.
- Study Time- designate a ‘communication blackout hour’ or until homework is done, no phones, messages, gaming or TV.
- Study Space-create a study area away from above distraction, ideally a quiet, well lit area, having materials and equipment to hand including spare reading glasses if needed.
Help with Homework
We don’t think that parents should have to do all the work, so this kind of support for children is a good way to help them take responsibility. Generally the rule of thumb is, if you are working harder on their homework than they are it is time to back off! Of course it is OK to help with their homework, (make it clear who is responsible) if they ask for it but perhaps limit it to 30 mins before charging!
Getting the balance right can take time. Try to avoid threats if things get tough, this usually leads to trenches getting dug rather deep. Instead try offering encouragement like ” As soon as it’s done you can/we can ………..”.
To read more try…. https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/pride-and-joy/201209/battles-over-homework-advice-parents