Help with Handwriting

Dylan Had Always Struggled with Handwriting

Dylan had always struggled with very poor handwriting. We came to the centre and found the assessment very helpful.

After only a few months of tutoring with Linda, teachers can now read his writing and he feels more confident.  His coordination problems have been recognised, thanks to your suggestion, and this has helped at school.  We have now spoken to an Occupational Therapist who has recommended that Dylan gets more time in his exams.  This will be a great help.

It has made a big difference to his schooling as he enjoys it much more now.  All his teachers are much happier and able to give him more help.  It has also shown him that he can do things he thought he couldn’t.

Read more testimonials here….

Meet Our Fantastic and Friendly Tutors

Two more great tutors who have recently joined the team!

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.

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…..

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!”

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

Tuition Fees Autumn 2016

Tuition Fees Autumn 2016

Autopay (No Deposit)

Cash/Card

Sign up for Autopay and pay only £30 per session!  (No Deposit)

We are introducing autopay direct debits using our automated invoicing. Ask us and we will set it up for you.  Your card will then be automatically debited each month with the tuition fees due. However, the great news is that if you chose this option we will only charge £30 per session rather than £32!

Other ways to pay your tuition fees

We still accept payments by cash and through our card machine. By paying for a half term or term in advance you will still receive a 5% discount.

You can also pay weekly, as long as a £60 deposit has been paid. This can be held as part payment for the last two sessions or be refunded with two weeks notice given.

Unfortunately we are no longer able to accept cheques due to excessive bank charges.

Missed sessions and ‘make ups’

Please remember that missed sessions must be paid for, so do book a ‘make-up’ session during the time that you are enrolled.

Help with payment

We are registered with OFSTED as an activity based childcare premises. This means if you are issued with childcare vouchers by your employer you may be able to use them to pay for tuition.

If you receive Working Families Tax Credit you may be eligible for help also.

Our OFSTED Registration No. is EY387054.

The WFTC Helpline is 0345 300 3900.

Tuition Session Times

Transition to a New School

Blasting Though to the Next Level!

Many of our little superheroes will soon be pushing through to the next level at school.  This may be a transition between Infant to Junior or Junior to Senior.  Even changing year groups can be a lot for younger children.

Do you remember the feeling of excitement and fear of going up to a new class or school?

Now is a good time to talk to your kids about these changes.  Fear of the unknown is the worst thing

especially for imaginative young minds.

It is a good idea to ask your child to write a list of questions themselves.  You never know what their concerns might be.

Talk to the Teacher

Always talk to the new teacher or school about your child’s special needs, personality, strengths and weaknesses.  Understanding a child is usually a great way to help teach that child.

Practical preparations are important also to help the child get ready mentally.  A new uniform or bag might seem a small thing, but it might help your little superhero think themselves into a new role.

If you do have any concerns about your child’s progress in reading, writing, spelling and maths please do not hesitate to call Howard and Linda on 023 93 968 626 or click on the Assessment Request button!

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