About the centre

Children (and adults) who choose to study by correspondence receive support and guidance, which is as close to that provided by Study Centres, as possible. This support is given by telephone and email and through notes of assistance included in the weekly postings. Support and discussion of progress is available between 7:30 and 19:30 Monday to Saturday by calling 01722 716110 (00 44 1722 716110). If the office is unmanned, messages are left so that a call back can be made at the earliest possible opportunity.

Support is also provided by email, by contacting mariegibb@kumoncentre.co.uk. It is important for the instructor to have first hand knowledge of students' progress in the programme and therefore telephone calls may be made to listen to reading, assess competence and check that students are comfortable with their work. These calls are arranged at a mutually convenient time and serve to strengthen the relationship between the instructor and the student. As with all Kumon study, independence and self confidence develop day by day as each student's self- esteem increases and they begin to take responsibility for their own learning.

Without the routine of class visits it is important that effective communication is in place between the instructor, student and parent and that completed work is marked, corrected and posted regularly so that progression is smooth and targets are reached. Once the discipline of the weekly routine is established the process becomes trouble-free and flows effortlessly.

It is important to keep students well motivated, particularly younger children and to help with this rewards, in the form of certificates, stickers, medals etc. are posted at appropriate times. Coupled with the self-motivation arising from success through their regular study, students enjoy a feeling of self-worth and pride, as their grades improve and the rewards become greater. Students are encouraged to take part in national and international initiatives such as competitions, Quests and online challenges provided by the Kumon Kids website at www.kumon.co.uk.

Kumon's philosophy is that children enjoy learning as long as the work is at the right level – not too hard and not too easy. The sense of achievement and the study skills developed through Kumon have a positive effect on other areas of education, making Kumon truly complementary to school and life. The aim of Kumon Correspondence is to ensure that those studying in this way obtain all the benefits associated with the Kumon method of learning and its philosophy.