If you’re looking for some useful info about Explore Learning, our centres and what we offer you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not give us a call or send us your query?
When are you open?
All Explore Learning centres are open 7 days a week both in term time and during school holidays, with very few exceptions. You can find out the opening hours of your nearest centre here.
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’re a 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. The only exception to this is the set times that are reserved for our special courses such as the Eleven Plus or Creative Writing.
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. Also, all members can access our Explorer Maths curriculum from home, enabling children to practise their skills at times when they are not able to attend the centre.
Is there proof that it works?
Yes! The University of Reading has conducted detailed independent research into the benefits of Explore Learning tuition. Their headline finding was that “On the whole, this research shows that Explore Learning tuition is beneficial to both boys and girls, of all abilities, living in all socioeconomic areas. See our results.
What happens in a trial session?
The free trial session allows you and your child 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 in England, Scotland and Wales. Our 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 their 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. 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. 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. They will then be able to arrange a free trial session where our tutors can assess their ability levels.
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. You can find out more about our schools workshops here.
I'm a teacher. Can my school use Pupil Premium money for Explore membership?
Yes. Schools across the country use the Pupil Premium to pay for Explore tuition, with proven results. Find out more about Explore and the Pupil Premium.
What is the monthly membership fee?
Our monthly membership varies from centre to centre, but our standard membership is between £109 and £129 per month. There are also a number of schemes available to help you pay for Explore membership (see below). For more information about membership fees, please visit your local centre’s web page.
Are there schemes available to help me pay for my Explore Learning membership?
Yes. As Explore is an Ofsted registered facility (Care Inspectorate in Edinburgh and Glasgow Darnley), 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.
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. Unlike other providers, 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 your centre manager to discuss your child’s membership to date, and the progress that they’ve made. If 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.
Do you have other tutoring centres outside the UK?
Yes, in 2014 we opened our first tutoring centres in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas. To find out more about our tutoring and enrichment courses in DFW, visit www.explore-horizons.com.
How can I access a copy of your company policies and procedures?
You can download a copy of our company policy and procedures here. Alternatively you can access a hardcopy on your centre’s reception desk.