Nine Elms’ Top Tips for a Successful Centre

At Explore Learning, our people are the heartbeat of our centres. It’s the energy in the room, the relationships with families, and the belief that every child can succeed that make the real difference.

One centre that’s truly been thriving is Explore Learning Nine Elms and behind that success are Centre Managers Hazel and Yara. Between them, they’ve built a vibrant, welcoming centre where children feel confident, families feel supported, and tutors feel valued.

We asked them to share some insights on the key drivers behind their success. What followed wasn’t a list of rules, but a collection of thoughtful, human habits that keep everything running smoothly and moving them towards their goals.

Here are their top tips for creating a thriving education centre:

Share the load and stay connected

Hazel and Yara are big believers in shared leadership. By intentionally rotating responsibilities, they both stay closely connected to parents, children and the day-to-day running of the centre. It means nothing gets missed, and everyone feels seen.

Write it down and talk it through

Great communication is at the heart of everything. Detailed notes, shared reminders and regular check-ins help keep everyone aligned, especially when it comes to children’s progress and parent conversations. It’s simple, but it makes a huge difference.

Make progress meetings really count

Progress meetings are never a tick-box exercise. Hazel and Yara go in prepared, with clear examples of how each child has grown and honest conversations about what comes next. They follow up afterwards because support shouldn’t stop once the meeting ends.

Start every day with the full picture

Each day begins with a shared overview: new children, confidence wobbles, specific learning focuses or families they’d love to connect with more. Passing this insight on to tutors means every child gets consistent, thoughtful support.

Set the bar high (and cheer people on)

Feedback is frequent, specific and kind - and the expectations are high. Hazel and Yara often ask themselves, “Would I be happy for my own child to learn like this?” That mindset helps everyone aim higher, together. Tutors are kept in the loop on how the centre is doing and why their role matters so much.

Really get to know families

Strong relationships don’t happen by accident. Whether it’s a chat at the front desk or a longer conversation in a meeting, Hazel and Yara take the time to get to know parents as people and build trust that lasts.

Be present with the children

The children really know the Manager and Supervisor. Hazel and Yara spend time chatting, encouraging, celebrating wins and sharing smiles. When children feel safe and connected, learning follows naturally.

Keep routines calm and clear

Clear systems help showtime run smoothly and keep the centre feeling calm and welcoming. When children know what to expect, they can focus on what really matters: learning and having fun.

Build community beyond the centre

Some of Nine Elms’ success comes from stepping outside the centre walls. Hazel and Yara actively build relationships in the local community, creating opportunities to connect with new families and spread the word.

Stay on top of the admin (little and often)

Daily check-ins on calls, emails and follow-ups keep everything running smoothly. It’s not glamorous but it means families feel supported and never left waiting.

Aim high and track progress

Hazel and Yara don’t just meet their goals, they stretch beyond them. By keeping a close eye on progress and planning ahead, they stay proactive and positive, even when things get busy.

Consistency for every child

No matter which tutor or zone they’re in, every child gets the same high-quality experience. Shared resources, familiar rewards and thoughtful adjustments mean every learner feels included and supported.

Bring the energy

A buzzing centre doesn’t happen by chance. Hazel and Yara stay visible and involved, chatting to children, supporting tutors and keeping the atmosphere warm and vibrant.

Look after your team

Forward planning, flexibility and genuine appreciation go a long way. Hazel and Yara make time to thank their tutors, celebrate their hard work and build real relationships.

Enjoy it

For Hazel and Yara, success always comes back to the why. The confidence they see growing in children. The families who trust them. The small wins that mean everything.

“When you love what you do, families feel it,” they say. “And when families trust you, they tell others.”

That joy, that care, that belief in children - that’s what makes an Explore Learning centre truly thrive.