Lumina tutoring

45 minute online tutoring by our teachers for Looked after Children.

Aims

To provide high quality education to Looked after Children with the aim to raise attainment and boost confidence and self esteem through achievement and individualised support.

There are currently over 80,000 children in care around the country. It is reported that these children are nearly 2.5 years behind their peers by the time they finish their GCSEs, less than one third will have left primary school not having met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics, and only 17.5% will achieved a grade 4 GCSE in both English and Maths, compared with 58.9% of total children. They are also 5x more likely to be temporarily excluded than pupils overall. Making it clear that additional support is needed in order to provide opportunities and academic success for children in care.

This programme relies heavily on the goodwill and dedication of teaching staff involved, but provides an incredible benefit to the children being mentored.

Background

This case study came about through communication with Harrow School, who had instigated the programme, saw its success and wanted to expand the reach of the programme to help more students. 

This programme has been running for over 5 years, with Northwood College staff being involved for 4.

Resources

This programme requires student and teacher access to a suitable device (eg, laptop). 

Administrative organisation (timetabling and student allocation) is coordinated by staff at Lumina (Harrow School).

Teaching staff are allocated a student based on their academic subject need, a 45 minute session is then held weekly throughout the year 

No financial contribution is required.

Pupil Involvement

This is a 1:1 tutoring programme, providing direct communication and instruction to the pupil being supported.

These students are generally studying GCSE or A level (KS4+5). 

Frequency

Mentoring sessions occur weekly, through out the year for 45 minutes (to an hour) in the evening or weekend - as arranged by the tutor and tutee.