Kip McGrath Tuition Q & A
Q: What ages do you tutor?
A: We welcome all children from ages 4 - 17 years old. We help students who are just about to enter their schooling career with school preparation. We cover the full National Curriculum for Infants, Junior and Senior School. This includes SATS, 11+ Preparation and GCSE.
Q: What subjects do you teach?
A: Although we offer supplementary courses from time to time, like our popular 10 week Study Skills course, our main specialism is Maths and English Tuition. Below is a list of some of the areas we cover;
English | Mats |
| Reading | Basic Number Skills |
| Spelling | Mental Maths |
| Hand Writing | Times Tables |
| Creative Writing | Fractions |
| Comprehension | Decimals |
| Vocabulary | Percentages |
| Grammar | Algebra |
| Structure | Geometry |
| Sentence Construction | Problem Solving |
| Punctuation | Time Reading |
| Essay Writing | Money Handling |
| SATs Preparation | Place Value |
| 11+ Preparation | Measures |
| GCSE Preparation | Verbal Reasoning |
| SAT's Preparation | |
| GCSE Preparation |
Q: Where will my child be tutored?
A: Your child will be tutored in one of our Professional Tuition Centres. You will have the peace of mind that your child receives tuition in a safe, clean and inviting learning environment. Our Centres and staff are fully insured and subject to various Health and Safety standards.
We create an atmosphere at the learning centre where students are not afraid to ask questions. We achieve this by providing an attractive environment. Students are invited to call the teachers by their first names. This gives students an understanding that we are working WITH them. We treat mistakes as learning experiences. Therefore, there is no embarrassment caused by trying or by asking questions.
Q: Who will teach my child?
A: Unlike other tutors or tuition companies, at the Kip McGrath Centres your child will be taught by our Tutors who are all;
- A Qualified Teachers
- CRB checked
- Fully vetted
- Experienced and Specialising in their Subject
- Covered by Public and Professional Liability Insurance
- Trained in the Kip McGrath method of teaching
Q: What makes Kip McGrath tutoring different?
A: All Kip McGrath Centres use a tutorial system based on a series of computer and mp3 based programmes, integrated with structured worksheets and textbooks. The programmes have been successful in helping children overcome problems in spelling, reading, writing and Mathematics. The pupils follow individualised learning programmes. Some of the work is aimed at a specific exam, for example; 11+, Entrance exams, SATs or GCSE.
The Centre caters for both primary and secondary level children with a spectrum of abilities. Some of our students are high attainers and we challenge them even further with their schoolwork. Some simply need support, confidence and enthusiasm to learn. Some are those ‘invisible’ students in a class, not poor enough to get extra support and not able enough to get extended.
All Kip McGrath material is graded so that progress is constant and accelerated. Children catch up as quickly as possible. The programmes are designed to give the children the motivation to succeed with challenging but attainable goals.
They work individually at their own pace and failure is eliminated. As they achieve and succeed they find it both rewarding and fun.
At the Basildon Centres we specialise in:
- Helping children having difficulty with the primary to secondary transition.
- Helping children who have missed a lot of school due to illness.
- Helping children who need extra support with the Literacy and Numeracy framework.
- Helping children who simply feel 'lost amongst the crowd'!
A: Each child is given a free assessment prior to starting, parents concerns are established and the results of the assessments are discussed confidentially.
Q: What days are available for tuition?
BASILDON CENTRE Monday: 16:00 - 17:20, 17:30 - 18:50 Tuesday: 16:00-17:20, 17:30-18:50, 19:00 - 20:20 Wednesday: 16:00 - 17:20, 17:30 - 18:50 Thursday: 16:00 - 17:20, 17:30 - 18:50 Friday: 16:00 - 17:20, 17:30 - 18:50 Saturday: 09:30-10:50, 11:00-12:20, 13:00 - 14:20 |
Q: How do I know my child is making progress?
A: Following enrollment each student attends the centre once a week for 80 minutes, and follows their own individual programme. We aim to provide a relaxed, friendly and motivating learning environment where children feel comfortable and happy. Progress is carefully monitored and students are regularly re-assessed. Each child learns at their own pace and our aim is to give them the confidence they need to make real progress and achieve their full potential.
The Assessment
Q: How do I arrange an educational assessment?
A: You can call us on 01268 556700 and asked to book your FREE no obligation Assessment.
Q: How long will it take and when do I get the feedback?
A: You will be offered an assessment within 7 days or you can book online. The Assessment takes between 45min - 60 min, depending on if your child will be assessment for Maths, English or both. Because we assess the student on their own, we do ask that you stay in our Reception area for the duration of the first meeting.
You will receive honest, straightforward feedback on your child's performance and how we can help.
Q: What will the assessment tell me?
A: We use a number of standardised assessment tools (like Watt's and Schonell) in order to identify the specific areas of weakness or "gaps" in your child's educational attainment thus far.
We will also assess your child's reading age and spelling age. In Maths, we will identify your child's competency according to the National Curriculum.
Q: How long will my child need Tuition?
A: Be cautioned - don't expect instant improvement. Remember, it is likely tat your child fell behind over a number of years. Your child will improve but the pace of that improvement will depend on the following;
- The student's attitude
- Diligent completion of homework
- Regular attendance at Kip McGrath and at school
- Encouragement and support from the family
- Student's attention and organizational ability
Tuition Fees
Q: How does Kip McGrath fees compare to other tuition?
Our Tuition sessons are 80 minutes long, as opposed to 45 min or 60 min sessions of other tutors or organisations. However, we still manage to offer you exceptional value for your investment in your child's education. At £27 per session, our rates equates to £20.25 per hour.
Q: When do I pay the tuition fees?
A deposit of £27 is required to secure your child's place on our Register. Tuition fees are payable one month in advance. Ie £108 for 4 weeks or £135 if there are 5 weeks in the month.
Q: How can I pay tuition fees?
Fees are taken from your Debit or Credit Card between the 26th and 1st of each month for the month in advance.
Q: Do you provide help with tuition fees if I cannot pay?
We provide 3 scholarships per year. However, these scholarships are awarded in conjunction with Dr Puvanundrun, Consultant Paediatrician (Basildon Hospital).
Q: Can I claim fees back under the Working Tax Credit Scheme, because you are Registered on te Voluntary OFSTED Register?
We are pleased to be registered on the Voluntary OFSTED Register which enables parents who work at least 16 hours per week and or earn less than £55000 to claim tax relief under the Working Tax Credit Scheme.
To see if you qualify, please call 0845 300 3900 or for further information visit the Inland Revenue website. You will need your National Insurance number as well as the Centre Registration for the Centre your child is enrolled at.
Basildon Registration # EY398010
Q: Do I pay extra for resources and stationary?
Your fee cover all stationary, resources, work books etc. This means no surprises to your budget.
Please note that there will be additional fees for 11+ Students who want to attend the Booster Weeks and "mock Exams". These students will get sufficient notice of all additional learning opportunities.
Q: Do I have to pay for the lesson if my child misses a lesson?
Yes, you are liable to pay for each lesson the Centre is open. During the year, the centre is closed 7-8 weeks. During this time you are NOT liable to pay in order to keep your space on the Register.
However, unlike other Tuition Centres, we offer a unique Make-Up Lesson system.
Q: How does make-up lessons work?
A: All lessons needs to be paid for whether your child attends or not. This is why we offer our unique make-up lessons, so your child can still benefit from the tuition you have paid for.
We can only offer a make-up lesson, when you book any future absence due to holiday, sickness etc. in advance or have left a message on our phone if we do not answer.
Missed make-up lessons will not be rescheduled.
Q: What happens if I fall behind with lesson fees?
If your account is more than two weeks in arrears, you can expect to receive a notice in the post. Should your account be more than 4 weeks in arrears, your account may be suspended.
However, it is always best to not let it come to that and discuss any difficulties you may have sooner rather than later. We may be able to suggest a number of option to help you get back on track.
Q: Do I have to give notice if my child no longer needs tuition?
Unlike other tuition organisations asking you to sign termly or yearly contracts, we offer a monthly rolling contract. When your child reached their goals or their tuition comes to an end, you will need to give two weeks notice in writing.
As you pay for the fees in the beginning of the month, we ask that you give your notice the second to last week of the month. This will ensure that week one of your fees are already paid for by that month's fees and your last week's fee is covered by your deposit.
General
Q: How can I contact you?
Main Telephone: 01268 556700
General Information: info@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Centre Accounts: accounts@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Students Accounts: admin@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Missed Lessons: makeuplessons@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Centre Marketing: marketing@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Want to tell us how we helped you: testimonials@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Tutor Enquiries: tutor_enquiries@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Website: siteadministrator@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
Q: What is the Annual Achievement Awards?
Our confidence in the progress of our students is reflected and celebrated during our Annual Achievement Awards, when we acknowledge the effort and celebrate the progress of our students during a formal Awards Presentation.
Q: I am a teacher. How do I apply to work in your Centre?
A: Please contact Breggie on (01268) 556700 or send your CV to info@kipmcgratheducation.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE:
1) We do not offer positions to unqualified teachers.
2) You will not be able to teach without a valid CRB Check and verified references
3) You will need at least two years post-qualifying experience.
______________________________________________________________________