Frequently Asked Questions

Our team of specialist teachers is constantly expanding in response to the demand for high quality tutors in popular subject areas. Currently, we offer Primary tuition, Secondary tuition and GCSE tuition in English Language, English Literature, Maths, Further Maths, Combined Sciences as well as Separate Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. At A Level, we offer tuition in English Language, English Literature and Maths. 

Our lessons are delivered from our purpose designed tuition centre located in the centre of Formby.

 Our price structure depends on the age, level and subject of the tuition being provided. Our prices are competitive for the level of expertise on offer; your child will be working only with qualified, highly experienced teachers who have up to date knowledge of the relevant curriculums and examinations, some of our teachers are also examiners and senior examiners for leading UK exam boards, departmental or curriculum leads and senior leaders in their subjects. Our teachers have continued access to training and specialist advice from curriculum leaders, examiners and education experts in their fields. 

We offer one to one tuition and small group tuition subject to location, availability and the individual needs of the child. Currently, we have weekly groups for Year 2- Year 11 children 

When children are working towards a common goal group tuition tends to be more effective. The pace is improved, children have each other to work with and learn from and the group dynamic means that children receive personal, individual attention, they have opportunities to work with their peers, as well as have time to apply their learning independently under the close supervision of a supportive teacher. All tuition is only effective if children are taught and then allowed to be independent of the teacher and to implement their learning independently which group tuition is particularly effective in doing. Students benefit from having a close relationship and one to one attention, but, also have time to grapple with concepts and have time to independently apply their learning. 

This depends entirely on the child’s needs and individual goals. We work with children as individuals and advise accordingly. In most cases, weekly tuition is sufficient for most children and provides the appropriate level of consistency that is necessary to enable children to make progress with their learning. We have children who work with us weekly and some who work with us two or three times a week. These decisions are made on an individual basis to suit the child and their needs. 

We are assessing students all the time in our tutorials; observing them working, questioning them, listening to their responses; in one to one and small group scenarios we are constantly assessing the children’s responses and adjusting the learning accordingly within the context of the lesson in an informal way.

In addition, pending the goal and phase that the student is in, we may recommend more formal assessments from time to time through the completion of exam questions that would be formally assessed for example. This is particularly helpful for students working towards exams where we are coaching and supporting children in how to apply their knowledge to the examinations and helping them to refine their examination technique.

We are a tutoring company with a difference priding ourselves on providing tutoring for students with hand-picked teachers who are highly qualified, up to date with the latest curriculum and examination reforms and passionate about engaging and inspiring students to both achieve and enjoy their learning.

The Learning Pad is owned and led by Helen Dutton who has over 15 years of classroom experience in Primary Schools.

Parents can be assured with The Learning Pad that our team of teachers are all highly experienced, qualified and effective teachers, all individually vetted. We are committed to finding and working with excellent teachers who will ensure that your child receives the best education possible; we work in close contact with our teachers, students and their families to monitor, regulate and support the tuition that is being provided, ensuring its effectiveness. All our teachers are up to date with the latest curriculum changes and hold valid enhanced DBS certificates to work with children.

Yes, we are Ofsted registered. We registered in 2019 and we uphold the standards expected by Ofsted through our policies and practices. All of our teachers are DBS checked, we have appointed First Aiders on site and we have clear protocols for the safety and security of your children whilst in our care.

As an Ofsted registered provider, we can also accept childcare vouchers and Tax-Free childcare as payment methods, This save parents up to 20% + on the cost of tuition and we urge all parents to check eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare. In our experience, most working families are eligible to use this scheme so it is certainly worthwhile checking!