Leaders are Readers Reviews 19

TrustScore 4 out of 5

4.0

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Company details

  1. Education & Training

Written by the company

TEL: 01992 651 300 The leading Saturday & Summer Schools in London & Kent for age 3 to 11. Specialist tuition in 11+, 7+, 5+, English, Reading, Maths, Reasoning


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4.0

Great

TrustScore 4 out of 5

19 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Impressive program

Great reading and writing program well suited to elevate chidren with different capabalities to a very high standard.

2 October 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This is an amazing institution

This is an amazing institution. My children received an amazing head start life and are able to read at a level above their age. I have an autistic, visually impaired son who struggles to engage in mainstream school, he joined the Saturday school and then summer program. In his mainstream school they had lost faith in my son ability to learn and left him by the wayside. Leaders are readers believed in my son and taught him not only how to read above age expected but also how to write, spell and mathematics. Due to the pandemic SATs were cancelled but the school still did internal exams and he aced all of them. Before Leaders are Reader they told me my son would not even be able to sit his exams and after the Saturday school and summer program my son passed all of his exams and was in the top percentile for reading comprehension and mathematics.
Leaders are Readers where able to understand my son engage with him through their teaching style and bring the best out of him. They also explained to me exactly what they were teaching him and taught me the best way to teach him. I was able to echo the teaching at home and encourage him to complete the homework and all the hard work paid off. My son got into a competitive secondary school and after the first set of tests he is currently has the highest test score across the board. He is able to use the transferable skills learned at Leaders are Reader to continue to thrive in secondary school.
I am so proud of him and his ability to learn and he inspired his younger siblings to follow in his footsteps. They also attended Leaders are Readers and are excelling in Primary school.

30 September 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent service and my child feels motivated

We started with the Leaders are Readers service some years ago in North London but COVID transformed things and after a break, we rejoined the online service.

Our experience with Victoria at the face to face school was excellent. She always had a smile on her face and was supportive as we navigated with the tutors the right classes for my child to have a sufficient foundation & stretch.

Since moving to the online school, Frances has been excellent too but a special thanks to Ms Annette. I was sceptical about the online classes as my child had struggled with engagement in regular online schooling during the lockdown preferring to go in for keyworker school. Ms Annette however has been skilful in keeping him captivated, stimulated and motivated to do more. She understands where each child is at and how to support confidence and academic improvement. Overall Leaders are Readers has been a positive experience for us. Hopefully this will reflect in our exams shortly.

26 September 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Atrocious, Chaotic and Disrespectful - AVOID AT ALL COSTS

There are absolutely no pros that I have experienced. I would highly recommend to NOT send your child here for learning and to NOT work here as a tutor. Huge disappointment and waste of time.

VICTORIA MERELA is an extremely cruel, rude, passive-aggressive and disrespectful woman. She thoroughly enjoys speaking to the tutors in a patronising tone and often blames them for the actions/behaviours of children. As if children are the sole puppets of tutors, which they are NOT. She also enjoys labelling the competency of tutors and thus subjects to heavy judgements based on unstable foundations. From personal experience, it is evident that she is unable to handle her responsibilities such as dealing with parents and so will take out her resentment on tutors by questioning their teaching techniques. How about you deal with the class first and then proceed with your harsh judgements? The pleasure is all yours for wasting time and energy.

MANAGEMENT NEEDS TO LEARN BASIC MANNERS INSTEAD OF SENDING PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE EMAILS. COWARDS FOR MERELY RELYING ON OBSERVATIONS AND BOOTING OUT TUTORS ON JUDGEMENT BASIS. SORT OUT YOUR PRIORITIES AND CHARACTER.

12 August 2021
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Hello,
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry that you feel your experience with us as a tutor was not satisfactory. Victoria has been a manager with us for many years and what you have described seems to be in contrast to the way we have experienced her work ethic, as well as her interaction with the many tutors and other staff members who have worked with her.

As an organisation, we seek to nurture not just our students, but also our tutors. No matter their background, we invest time and resources to ensure they are able to teach to the standards that will enable our students to go on to succeed.

We also appreciate that some tutors have different strengths, which we like to harness where possible.

It is general practice to observe tutors from time to time, to see how they are getting on as well as to find out if they need assistance in any way. In your case, as a new tutor to Leaders are Readers and teaching one of the higher levels at that centre, it was even more important to do so.

We observed that managing a class situation seemed a little overwhelming for you. You also admitted as much. In spite of this, Victoria was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and discussed strategies with you, moving forward.

Unfortunately, the situation did not seem to improve. Our Summer School programme is a 3-week intensive programme, which means such matters have to be dealt with swiftly.

As an organisation, we do not take such decisions lightly, and steps to relieve a tutor of a class would be taken only after careful consideration.

You were taken out of the class, but not out of our organisation. Victoria did advise that you would be given another session.

Our priority has to be the children in our care. We need to ensure that the tutor not only knows the subject matter, but can also manage the children and the class, so the children reap the full benefit of the lessons and ultimately, the programme.

We appreciate that you may have found this decision somewhat harsh, and it is unfortunate that you felt you had to characterise Victoria and our service in the way you did, but she was only doing her job as the Manager.

We would be more than happy to discuss this matter further with you, through the channels below:

info@leadersarereaders.co.uk

01992 651 300

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

No Refunds / credits

LAR would only suit parents who cannot help their child at home but rely totally on outside tuition. 3-4 weekends left in my payment before they now shut for coronavirus lockdown and government is helping them mighty much to help their business, I requested for a refund as their printed booklets are of no use without the lessons to go with it. Plenty of free resources are available online and their booklet over the post is not going to be equal to the classroom teaching and group brainstorming. They outright refused me a refund or a credit to carry forward. Also I received no booklet :(
Beware very young ones are taught by 8-9 yr olds. I signed up as its a 11+ English

29 March 2020
Unprompted review
Leaders are Readers logo

Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Parent,

Many thanks for your review and our sincere apologies for the inconvenience the closure has caused you. Our centres closed two weeks to the end of the term, which was when the Government mandate was issued. We have since had all the booklets for the last two weeks posted out to all the parents. It may be that due to the current situation, some may have not reached their final destination but, if that is the case, your Centre Manager would without a doubt, be more than happy to send out a replacement copy to you.

Leaders are Readers also run an Online Homework Assistance Service which has been advised by the Centre Managers in their emails to parents and is also promoted on our website https://www.leadersarereaders.co.uk/online-homework-assistance-service

The Online Homework Assistance Service was set up to support parents who may find it challenging to help their children with any aspect of the homework/booklet at home. The tutor at every session will go through the topics and concepts taught at the Saturday session in order to refresh your child’s memory. During the current school shut-down period, the tutor will go through with your child the booklet you have received in the post.

Parents are also free to call/email their Centre Managers for further advice regarding any aspect of the homework they feel their child might be struggling with.

Also, Leaders are Readers has not received any financial assistance from the government and has paid all of our tutors for all the cancelled sessions.

All of our tutors are trained, certified and vetted - something that can be clearly confirmed during the mid-term parent-tutor consultations that take place during the term.

Once again, please accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused as a result of the mandatory closure. As you will appreciate, these are unprecedented times and we are doing our best to make sure we keep our service running for you, in these times of uncertainty
https://www.leadersarereaders.co.uk/keeping-you-informed

If you could please advise of the centre, we can get the matter resolved asap.

Thank you once again!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Programme

I cannot stress how fantastic this programme is. I love that the focus is on each child and his/her ability rather than age group. Small class sizes. Work is well organised and structured. Children have fun and enjoy learning. I purchased their materials for the 4+ programme which, together with the first 2 reading courses, helped my daughter secure offers for all schools she applied for.

11 March 2020
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

LAR is a world tuition provider

LAR is a world tuition provider. From reception to writing the 11+ exams and SATs, LAR provides the support you and your child needs to prepare for the future. My daughter started at LAR two years ago and we have never looked back. She passed 4 of the 5 exams she sat! My other child now in year 3 started while she was in reception and is still goes every Saturday.I will recommend LAR any day.
J O

16 November 2019
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

This so am amazing program and I am…

This is an amazing program and I am truly impressed with the way my son has improved.

Very kind approach to each child and one to one support is the key to success of this program.
I would recommend to any with no hesitation.
Thank you

27 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Himali, thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing Saturday school

My son has been attending for over a year and has excelled in his English and maths. The curriculum they use is amazing as it encourages the child to think outside the box by giving them challenges and opportunities to practice.
Amazing and approachable teaching staff who give you an evaluation of your child’s learning each week.
I would recommend Leaders are Readers to anyone who is looking for a good place for their child to be nurtured.

24 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Thank you Yemisi for your feedback. We are happy to have been of help and are looking forward to continuing to do so for your child.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent stretch and challenge…

Excellent stretch and challenge provided to my son for his entrance exam preparations. Thoroughly enjoyed it and have since recommended others to try

24 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Many thanks for your feedback and really glad to have been of help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic learning environment

Fantastic learning environment, super helpful staff and great location!

12 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Taiwo,
Many thanks for your feedback. We are glad to have been of great help so far and hope to continue to be of service to you and your child.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I have seen remarkable improvement in…

I have seen remarkable improvement in my kids.
If you’re interested in giving your child the advantage , then I recommend L&R.
They do a fantastic job .

8 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Thank you so much for your feedback. Much appreciated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

A very good Saturday school provider

A very good Saturday school provider. The standard of teaching is very high and consistent. My child has excelled and place children in classes according to their level and not their age.

8 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Samantha,
Thank you for your review. Much appreciated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

💯 perfect!!

Cannot recommend leaders are readers enough! Absolutely outstanding!

7 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Karolina, thank you for your review. Much appreciated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Go for it

I highly recommend. The kids are taught various techniques to help them answer questions. Lots of practice with the kids. Honest feedback after each class. It is hard work but worth it.

7 April 2019
Unprompted review
Leaders are Readers logo

Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Stephany, Many thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I decided to enrol my son at Leaders

I decided to enrol my son at Leaders are Readers when he turned 4. Prior to this, I had spoken to my son's school and they told me that they had a number of concerns about his speech and his writing. They told me that his speech was not clear and that he was unable to hold a pencil properly.

I was struck with worry and concerns, I was able to address his speech very quickly through a speech therapist.

However with regards to reading and writing. I was initially unsure where to turn to. I met up with a friend over lunch and explained my concerns. She told me about LAR and how the reading programme helped her daughter.

I decided to enrol and from the very beginning I felt extremely supported as a parent. LAR became a parenting partner to me and my son and helped us through the programme. It has been one year since we enrolled and my son is a completely different boy.

Thank you LAR for bringing out the best in him and for enabling him to reach his potential. My sons reading age is 3.5 years above his actual age - how fantastic. He reads with confidence, he writes with joy. His love for learning is evident and I am so grateful that I was able to witness this for myself.

We are so excited to start the next phase with LAR and I am assured as a parent that this centre and the programme is meeting children's individual needs.

7 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Marianne, Many thanks for your detailed review. Much appreciated and happy that we have been able to help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good teaching and regular lesson…

Good teaching and regular lesson session feedback on how my children are progressing.

4 April 2019
Unprompted review
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Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Janet,
Many thanks for your feedback. Much appreciated!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Readers are leaders has helped my…

Readers are leaders has helped my children’s progress by a lot

4 April 2019
Unprompted review
Leaders are Readers logo

Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Nishant,
Thank you for your feedback. Much appreciated and we are glad to have been of help.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend this programme!

I can't recommend this programme enough! It has provided my daughter with greater confidence in herself and her abilities, period!

Don't get me wrong, you have to put in the time and care (daily) with your children in addition to the weekend programme to get the best out of it. And there are times when you have to reflect on your patience as well as making the time. So there is an effort on your end. But the rewards are enormously great!

My daughter started the programme at 3 years of age (she's now 5). She learnt how to read at 3 and is now a bookworm reading everything and soaking it all up. This is all thanks to Readers are Leaders programme and the loving care of each teacher, most notably Miss Lara, Miss Rania, Miss Bummi, and her stage 3 teacher, who have all provided me with support (advice on techniques, methods, to practice with y children, and progress) throughout the program. They are all simply great!

My second daughter recently turned two and will be starting the programme next year when she turns 3.

A great programme to help develop and support your kids.
Great people/teachers/professionals delivering the program.
Great value for money, if you put in the work too!

I'll be happy to express my views and experience over the phone or in person...So you know this is not only a true and authentic review but also a great programme for your children.

4 April 2019
Unprompted review
Leaders are Readers logo

Reply from Leaders are Readers

Dear Ike,
Many thanks for your highly detailed feedback. It is much appreciated. We are glad to have been of help to your child and we look forward to doing the same for your second daughter.

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