Kip McGrath celebrates their first year of success!

Experts agree that primary education is the most important period in any child’s academic life, as it is here that the essential tools for effective communication, such as reading, writing, spelling and grammar are nurtured and developed.

It is argued that children who miss early reading and writing targets have less chance of achieving GCSE’s and ‘A’ levels, and that such children are less likely to become confident, skilled adults in later life.

It was in the midst of this academic debate that Kip McGrath Education Centre opened its doors a year ago, in the beautiful surroundings of The Courtyard, Galgorm Castle, Ballymena.

As teachers with over 20 years experience each, Diane and Wendy were aware of the many concerns which parents have over their child’s education, and these were identified in the market research carried out at the initial stages of their venture.

Overcoming the difficulties of finding the right school, ensuring that their child is fulfilling his/her potential and achieving the best exam results possible, can be a huge worry for many parents.

Parents also identified the problem that as both parents are often working, they neither have the time (nor the energy) to spend giving their children extra learning support.

Children also are tired after a day at school, and the result is often an ongoing battle to get homeworks done and relationships are spoiled as a result. Others are unhappily watching their teenagers struggle with GCSE revision and don’t have the expertise to help.

Directors Wendy Rusk and Diane Robinson have been delighted with the number of parents who are making use of their affordable professional tutoring service in English and Maths, with children from P1/2 to GCSE level benefiting from the wide range of resources and expertise available at the Kip McGrath Centre.

In addition to the numerous local children, parents are travelling from as far as Bushmills, Magherafelt and Larne to make use of this unique facility, and many of them have been attending since the very first day of opening!

Parents have seen their children’s reading age, spelling and comprehension ages rise significantly and a greater understanding of mathematical concepts has been achieved with children’s self-confidence developing as a result .

Here is what some of the parents have to say about the Kip McGrath experience:

“Friendly welcoming atmosphere for both child and parent”

“Good value for money”

“My child now finds Maths fun, he has lost his fear of Maths and he has discovered self-confidence”

So what is on offer at the Centre?

• free diagnostic assessment for your child

• individual education plans

• fully qualified experienced teachers

• structured learning materials including computer-based programmes

• on-going assessment so you can accurately measure your child’s progress

• a strong emphasis on motivation, success and confidence-building

The Directors are very willing to work with the teachers in the local area who work so hard to address the literacy and numeracy issues raised in the classroom, and develop the potential and employment prospects of children in the North-East area. Local businesses who are the future employers of these young people are in full support of this exciting new initiative.

If you are interested and wish to book your free assessment and to take the first step towards a brighter future for your child phone Wendy or Diane on 07754 390 960, or e-mail [email protected]. Further details can also be found on their website www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

Come along to our Open Day on Friday 11th June between 5.30 pm and 7.00 pm, meet the staff and view our facilities and resources.

Light refreshments available'