Frequently Asked Questions
All Explore Learning centres are open 7 days a week
both in term time and during school holidays with very few exceptions. For the
opening hours of your nearest Explore Learning tuition centre, see your local
centre's website.
Find your nearest centre.
How often can my child attend?
Children can attend the centre up to twice a week. Sessions
are based on a drop-in, flexible basis lasting approximately 1 hour and 15
minutes.
Do I need to book my child’s sessions?
No. Once you are member of Explore Learning, you can
visit the centre on a drop-in basis. Sessions are designed to be flexible
around you and your family routine. You don’t have to visit the centre at set
times or on set days each week. As long as the centre is open for sessions your
child will be able to attend.
Do I have to attend twice a week?
No. Although you are entitled to attend the centre
twice a week this is just a guide. Many children only attend an Explore centre
once a week and make excellent progress.
What happens in a trial session?
The trial session allows parents and their children to
view the centre in action. The session lasts approximately one hour, during which time
your child will be introduced to the Explore team and initially assessed for
their working levels by one of the tutors. It will also be a chance for you to
discuss your child’s requirements in depth and establish your goals in order to
enable the team to begin to tailor work.
Does Explore Learning tuition work alongside what my
child is learning at school?
Yes. The Explore Learning curriculum is aligned to
the National Curriculum as well as the Curriculum for Excellence in Scotland.
The Explore tutors are trained to teach using Curriculum approved teaching
methods to ensure that the children have consistency with how they learn at
school. This means that your child
can always take the skills that they have learned at Explore back into the
classroom.
What feedback will I get about my child’s progress?
We will provide regular comprehensive feedback about
how your child is progressing at Explore. Every time you collect your child you
will be given notes and examples about how they got on as well as tutor
comments about their session. We will also hold Parent Conferences regularly
throughout your child’s Explore membership. These meetings are
designed to give you more in-depth feedback about your child’s progress, answer
any questions you may have and create a learning pathway for your child to help
them reach their individual goals.
What is the ratio of children to tutors?
At Explore we work on a ratio of six to one. This
means that one tutor works with a maximum of six children who are all working
on their own individual programmes. We feel that this creates a good balance of
support for the children whilst encouraging them to work independently to help
gain confidence back in the classroom.
What role do the tutors play in my child’s learning?
Our tutors are the most important factor in children’s
progress at Explore Learning. All of our tutors are trained in the curriculum,
and teach using a range of interactive resources that adapt to each child’s
individual ability, challenging them at exactly the right level. By getting to
know each child as an individual the tutors also play an essential role in
boosting children’s confidence and motivation for learning.
What role do the computers play in my child’s
learning?
We use the very best computer based tools available
to support your child’s learning. They
are designed to be interactive and engaging for your child whilst providing the
tutor with a fantastic tool for recording their progress. Children are still
required to show their working out on paper just as they would in a
classroom. We also offer a range
of paper based resources to help practice key literacy skills such as
handwriting, comprehension, grammar and creative writing.
My child has SEN – can they benefit from coming to
Explore?
Yes. At Explore we get to know all of our members as
individuals. This means that we are able to tailor our curriculum and environment
in order to enable each child to reach their potential.
You can read more about Explore for children with Special Educational Needs here. At your initial
consultation we will discuss your child’s unique needs with you in detail, and
create a course tailored to them.
My child is gifted - can they benefit from coming to
Explore?
Yes. Hundreds of gifted children benefit from
attending Explore. We tailor our courses for each child’s individual
requirements. We design the course around the child’s academic ability rather
than their age, allowing gifted children to work at their own pace.
You can read more about Explore for Gifted Children here. At your
initial consultation you will be able to discuss in more detail your child’s
personal goals and requirements.
My child is 4 years old - can they attend?
We do accept 4 year olds at Explore Learning on a case by case basis. If your child is still 4 years old, but has started in Reception/P1, please call your local centre to discuss his or her individual needs with a tutor, and arrange a trial session where we can assess their ability levels.
Find your nearest centre.
I’ve heard that you work with local schools. What do
you do?
Explore tutors develop strong relationships with
local schools and regularly run free Maths and Literacy workshops for pupils.
Click
here for more information about what we do with schools.
What is the monthly membership fee?
The monthly membership fee is subject to some
regional variations and your own financial circumstances. For more information
about membership fees, please visit your local centre’s web page.
Find your nearest centre.
Are there schemes available to help me pay for my
Explore Learning membership?
Yes. As Explore is an Ofsted registered facility (Care Inspectorate in Scotland), we
have a number of Helping Hand schemes dependent on your individual
circumstances. For more information on Helping Hand schemes please contact your
local centre. Find your nearest centre.
Can I use Childcare Vouchers?
Yes. As Explore is an Ofsted registered facility (Care Inspectorate in Scotland)
we
accept all forms of Childcare Vouchers. Please contact your local Explore centre
for more information about using Childcare Vouchers.
Does Explore Learning operate on a franchise basis?
No. None of the Explore Learning centres are run by franchisees. All of our centre managers are employed and trained by Explore Learning. This ensures that all of our centres are run to a consistently high standard. If you are interested in a career at Explore, please
visit our careers site.
How much notice do I need to give if I have to stop my membership?
Initially, you should speak to a centre manager to discuss your child’s membership to date, and the progress that they have made. Should you then wish to cancel your membership we require written notice on or before the 23rd of the month. This will then cancel your membership from the 1st of the following month.
