FAQS

We are Ofsted registered, to accept children on to our Read and Write course from the age of 3, although this will depend on if the child is ready. Generally, children start with us when they are 3 and a half years old and can continue up to 11 years of age.

We do not time the assessments as our goal is to get the children do their best, and it may take time for them to relax. However, we typically allow just over an hour for Maths and English, and forty minutes per subject.

It is not necessary for you to stay with your child. The assessments are formal tests of basic mathematical concepts, or spelling, grammar and comprehension (English).

No preparation required. Children may bring their pencil case and a happy smile.

Yes, children from the age of 4 are assessed. Below this age, they are assessed within the trial lesson.

The assessments are carried out by our assessors who are trained to put the children at their ease and ensure that they follow the instructions given. They are usually not trained teachers but they are DBS checked and have GCSEs in Maths and English. We strongly recommend the paper assessment and classroom trial as these two elements give us a full picture of the child’s ability.

Groups vary in size, but we aim to have a maximum of 12 children per class, with fewer children in the youngest groups.

Classes are currently face to face. However, we have the capacity to switch to online mode at short notice, should there be a need.

In Saturday School, your child can take only one subject if they prefer, Maths or English. You can choose to take both subjects if you wish. Each subject is 2 hours long. In Summer School, however, the day is from 9.00am to 1.00pm with no option to choose one subject or the other.

Our classes are based on ability not age. Please enquire here and we will arrange for an assessment, the results of which will determine your child’s class.

Certainly. All classes break for 10 minutes after 50 minutes. We offer lunch breaks for those children doing Maths and English. 

Yes, we offer a sibling discount of 5% on the second (and subsequent) child(ren). To qualify for a sibling discount children must live at the same address and the fees must be paid by the same person.

Fees are to be paid termly in advance either by Bank Transfer or vouchers.

We accept Childcare Vouchers and the government’s HMRC tax-free childcare.

We recommend small, healthy snacks like fruit, breadsticks and dips, and lunches like small sandwiches, wraps etc. We have a strict nut-free policy across all centres and a vegetarian policy (no meat or fish or foods containing these, no mushrooms, no onions) at our Krishna Avanti Primary School centre.

Portion sizes will vary with the usual appetite of your child. When in doubt, it is better to give them too much on the first day than not enough. Then you can adjust as you go along.

We have a strict nut-free policy across all centres and a vegetarian policy (no meat or fish or foods containing these, no mushrooms, no onions) at our Krishna Avanti Primary School centre.

Yes, our teachers are fully qualified.

Yes, we do set homework each week for your child to complete. Our courses are designed to be complemented by homework; time taken will vary with class and level of child. Rough estimate between 30 and 45 minutes three to four times a week. Exam preparation children will need more.

Yes, Free Readers Classes are every Saturday during term time. If your child is unable to attend, the homework or lesson booklets will be sent to you for your child to complete.

Yes, Free Readers runs a summer learning camp at both the Edgware and Northwood locations.

Please see our relevant sections on dates and fees for this year’s camp.

The fun camp can be booked separately and can be booked in any combination the parent prefers, there are no minimum or maximums.

It can be booked whenever the need arises, with as little as a day’s notice, and can certainly be booked at the start of the week.