A new school year has just started, and Celia Osbourne, Owner of NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton, says "make this the year that your child really gets back on track with their learning – or begins to push ahead to aim for 11+ entry or those top grades".

She added: "Remember getting a good start early in the year is the key. Now they have settled into their new classes, with their new teachers and their new routines, now is the time to make sure that this year is going to be a good one.

"If your child was struggling with their maths or English at the end of last year, now is the time to tackle that straight on. Just because there is a new class, doesn't mean things will be better.

"So often parents smile at the beginning of the year and say "let's see if this year's going to be better" only to discover in February that there is no change and the year's half over.

"They realise that not only can their child STILL not get their head around tables, subtraction, decimals, algebra etc and they still find spelling hard, loathe comprehension exercises and write as little as they possibly can, but that things have actually got worse.

"Now the work has become more advanced but facts and concepts that a child is expected to know have somehow been missed, there's more to catch up on and their child has lost confidence."

The NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton tutor continued: "This doesn't mean that your son or daughter will struggle forever and it certainly doesn't mean that they're not bright.

"A bit of structured help now, targeted towards the right areas and your child could be back on track and possibly in a couple of years' time, even overtake his peers."

"If you can see GCSEs looming on the horizon, but your teenager doesn't yet see the need to push themselves, well now's the time to contact us," said Celia

She advises parents not to let their children wait for a poor mock exam result before they get help.

The tutor added: "Every year we have to try to rescue students who have failed their mock maths or English – and to be honest, starting extra work support just a few months before the exam is cutting it fine and putting a lot of pressure on an already frightened 15/16 year old.

"Start the extra help at the beginning of year 11 – still better the beginning of year 10 or even year 9 - and there will be so much less stress at the end".

Do you want your child to do an entrance exam?

Celia said that "now is the time to start that extra focus" for primary school children who are hoping to take the 11+ exam.

She added: "The beginning of year 3 or 4 is a great time to start working towards these exams. That's because it can be done gradually and gently and even be FUN!!!!

"Leaving the extra support to year 5 or later, add on the pressure and gently coaching has to become a high pressure gallop towards an exam. That's not good for any 10 year old."

Frustrated by short parent consultations?

Celia said: "Most of us have probably just had a chance to speak to our child's teachers, but even then we often don't feel we learn much.

"As an ex school teacher of over 20 years, I know only too well that 12 minutes really only lets you scratch the surface.

"And as a teacher, I was happy if a child just kept up with the class and performed 'in line with expectations'. I didn't have a parent's desires and aspirations for their child.

"Here at NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton, we have both the time and resources to work individually with your child, encourage them and push them on to achieve their best.

Get an independent view and a better idea

If you have that sneaking suspicion that your child could be doing better, why not pop into NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton for an independent view?

At NumberWorksn'Words Surbiton, children can have a free assessment in both maths and English and a chance to have a go at some of the structured learning activities that it provides.

Celia said: "As an experienced teacher,

"I'll be honest about how I think your child is doing. I can observe them to see whether I think there are gaps in their learning that are holding them back or whether I think they could be racing ahead to achieve more.

"If I feel we can help them at NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton with our unique structured learning programmes, I can discuss what we could do to support them in their learning. And if they are doing just fine, I'll tell you that too.

"And the really good news

"Children that learn with us, love it! No groaning or mumbling. No tears and tantrums. They just enjoy learning. And if that sounds like a breath of fresh air, get in touch."

If you are interested in tutoring for your child at NumberWorks'nWords Surbiton, call the centre at 020 8399 1234 or email [email protected] and have a chat with Osbourne about your child's needs.

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