Here at STAG HQ, we love nothing more than trialling free classes. It’s the perfect opportunity for our Mini Mumblers to try out new and different things, without wasting money if it’s not their thing.
When we got the opportunity to try a free coding lesson with Cypher, we were delighted. Mr Mumbler is a huge IT geek and is keen for the children to be confident in all IT applications, this also seemed a good opportunity to make their screen time more valuable than just playing games and watching movies.
I signed my 9 year old daughter up for a free 60-minute online class. Cypher teaches children how to code, through weekly teacher led, online lessons with small groups of children of similar ages and experience levels. Cypher are experts in teaching coding principles, getting kids involved and developing core coding skills over time.
I don’t think she was entirely sure what to expect, but with the friendly and engaging teaching, she was immediately put at ease and encouraged to join in. I can see why children love their creative themes, such as animals, magic and art. The teacher was brilliant – just the right level of energy for kids that have grown out of CBeebies but still need a subject to be made fun and engaging.
They started the lesson with introductions and working out how much coding they’d all done before. Most had done some ITC lessons at school and some of the children had had a few Scratch lessons (memories of home-schooling come flooding back) but they were all beginners really. They got a crash course in some of the techniques first, but quickly started writing their own code and actually built their own game by the end of the lesson!
My daughter was so happy at the end of the lesson and really proud of what she’d built. Unlike the drag-and-drop coding she’d been used to before with Scratch, she was taught how to type code (in Javascript, I’m reliably informed).
The teacher was really good at keeping the kids engaged and she was on hand whenever any of them got stuck. When the following week came round our Mini Mumbler said “Yey, it’s Thursday, I’ve got coding again!”
Here at STAG, we make a point of not mentioning any trials we’ve done, after the initial class, the reason we do this is because we want to engage them in things they really love and not the things we think they should be doing. If a class isn’t memorable, they won’t mention it again, but when I get a “Mummy, when can I do x again?” or “Mummy, when can we go back to x?” I know something has made an impression with them and they’re keen for more. This was certainly the case with Cypher.
Cypher offer these free coding lessons for all children and they have different content for younger kids – who will learn using Scratch – and older kids code with Javascript. If they enjoy their first free lesson, they can go on to have weekly online coding lessons with a group of children of similar age and experience. They build a new project every couple of weeks and I can see that they’d learn a lot over the course of a few months.
According to Cypher, it’s all about getting kids future-ready. Already, 67% of new jobs in STEM are in computing and the importance of technology in industry is only going to increase. Their award-winning curriculum not only teaches them how to code, but also develops broader skills such as creativity, communication and collaboration.
The lesson got a big thumbs up from us and some of our fellow Mumblers too, who had children of different ages enjoy a free lesson.
“…the teacher was fab and it’s literally the longest I’ve seen him sit down and listen! ” – Gateshead Mumbler (Mini Mumbler aged 6)
“…it’s been amazing! X Loved it, I’ve learned loads too!” – Hull Mumbler (Mini Mumbler aged 11)
Sponsored blog post for Cypher
What is APD?
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is an incurable, lifelong condition that affects the way that the brain processes sound including speech. APD is thought to be caused by damage to the brain and it is therefore a medical (neurological) condition, therefore not one that can be diagnosed by education professionals. APD does not affect the hearing mechanism (ears etc) and it can also exist in people with perfect hearing as well as co-existing in those with additional hearing loss. In someone with normal hearing, speech is heard effectively. However, the brain plays a vital role in the hearing process. Without it, what we hear is just unintelligible noise – it has to be processed effectively by the brain in order to make sense. To put it simply, for someone with APD, speech does not always make sense (but it has a variety of other effects too) . Yet many organisations that support people with hearing difficulties (and some audiologists and other professionals) still don’t recognise or support APD, even though it greatly affects the final stage of the hearing process. Whether a child or adult is born with it or acquires it, APD is not their fault and they are not alone.
Recent international research has indicated that APD is thought to be present in 5% to 7% of children (some sources say up to 10% or 1 in 10) and in over 20% of adults. The amount increases steeply in children who have learning disabilities, with up to 40% of those children also having Auditory Processing deficits. By comparison, according to the WHO in 2019, Autism/ASD is thought to affect only 1 in 160 children worldwide (with an estimated 1.1% in the UK).
Important points to remember:
· APD can affect up to 10% of children and 20% of adults
· APD has a unique presentation in everyone
· APD affects all aspects of life and communication
· APD is a cause of dyslexia
· APD is a lifelong disability
· The need for frequent sensory breaks
· APD is a recognised medical condition
· APD does not affect intellect
· Someone with APD is not “stupid”, “lazy” or “broken”
· Self-esteem and confidence are often affected
· APD is exhausting and can lead to anxiety and depression
· With the right support, people with APD can and will succeed
· There is a need for wider support and recognition.
© Alyson Mountjoy, Chair APD Support UK
What are the indications that a child might have APD? 
Here are some of them, but only full testing can tell you for certain. They don’t need to have them all.
a. A child with APD might appear not to hear when you speak to them, especially if it is noisy, unless you get their attention first. APD is not an attentional problem, they just need to know you are speaking to them or lipread.
b. They might be suspected of having hearing loss, only to have perfect hearing (although APD can exist in people with hearing loss).
c. Even in a quiet room, they might not understand what you say or ask them to do.
d. They might have difficulty with more than one instruction or carry out a list of instructions in the wrong order.
e. They might have problems with knowing who to listen to in a group of people: the direction of the speaker.
f. They might muddle up similar sounds or words.
g. There might be misunderstanding, miscommunication, tears and frustration because they don’t understand or can’t express themselves due to word retrieval issues.
h. They might have a problem with using the phone, understanding fast speech or people with unfamiliar accents.
i. Sometimes they might hear the start, middle or end of a sentence, all of it or none of it. On other occasions it might be different.
j. The effects are random and intermittent, worse when tired, ill or stressed. There will be good days and bad days. It will be more obvious once they go to school or in a group of people. They might struggle to understand what is going on in the classroom, work slowly, seek reassurance from teachers and peers that what they are doing is correct, or they might not know that they have misunderstood and constantly get things wrong.
k.They might struggle to make and keep friends due to miscommunication or poor social skills. It is not their fault.
Should we go to our GP to refer? 
GPs can refer for NHS testing, but also certain other professionals such as paediatricians, educational psychologists and speech and language therapists. Different testing centres have their own process, criteria and exclusions. For full referral, testing centres, criteria and testing details, please see https://apdsupportuk.yolasite.com/apd-and-ukdiagnosis.php
At what age can APD be tested in children?
The age of testing can vary between testing centres, but it is usually from the age of 8 on the NHS or 6/7 privately. Check with your chosen centre that your child meets their age and other criteria.
© Alyson Mountjoy, Chair APD Support UK
How can Kip McGrath help your child if you suspect APD or have a learning difficulty
We offer incentre or online sessions so can ensure a quiet, calm environment. Your child will be assessed and their lessons planned to build upon their strengths, this builds confidence.
Our tutors are patient, give lots of reassurance and encouragement always working to increase knowledge. We use headphones for many computer activities which reduces distractions. We have time to repeat and explain as many times as is necessary.
We can allow breaks in the learning if your child becomes overwhelmed. As well as working on the computer we use resources in centre such as Lego, whiteboards, number lines, and can give 1 to 1 support. All tutors are qualified teachers with a wealth of experience in dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, dyscalculia, hyperacusis, and sensory processing disorder.
We support parents/carers who home school and work with SENCO’s in schools offering tailored programmes which are funded by the LEA.
Schools can assess processing speed and along with any formal diagnosis should offer 25% extra time in formal tests/exams.
Who is Kip McGrath?
At Kip McGrath Tutoring in Selby we believe that everyone has the right to learn to read, write and calculate and to be taught properly.
We have been tutoring for more than 40 years. In that time, we have helped thousands of learners become confident and improve their Maths, English, Reading, Spelling and Comprehension skills, across the world.
Education ‘initiatives’ come and go, along with education ministers and curriculum ‘breakthroughs. With Kip McGrath tutoring, we continue to do what works for learners.
Our methods are tried, tested, and proven to work.
Welcome to Kip McGrath at Selby Tutoring
We understand that you may be worried about your child’s core skills in English and Maths during these uncertain times. We are Selby Tutoring Kip McGrath here to help you reach your child’s full potential through our proven methodology and qualified tutors based locally in Selby:
Helping you and your child
We offer personalised tuition through learning programmes designed specifically for your child in English and Maths which are in line with the National Curriculum and bridge any gaps in learning.
Proven Tutoring Methodology
Our proven methodology in tuition and qualified tutors are available online and in centre to help support your child. Our online lessons are delivered real-time using exclusive tools such as the 
interactive whiteboard and message board.
Dyslexia tutoring
What benefits a student with dyslexia benefits all students! Our tutoring programmes are structured, methodical, multi-sensory and offer unlimited opportunity for over-learning making them perfect for all students.
Maths Tutoring
Tutoring at Kip McGrath Selby we help children aged from 5-18 with all levels of Maths, from those who have missed out on the Kip McGrath Selby tutoring tutor development and understanding of basic mathematical concepts, to GCSE students needing help with their revision. We also assist others who are just having trouble in one area of mathematics. And yes, we do teach tables!
English Tutoring
We provide English tutoring for students aged five and over who are having difficulty in reading, spelling, comprehension, and writing. We cover all aspects of English that students are expected to learn in school and the programme is carefully designed so that each student progresses at his/her own pace. A student can start anywhere within our programme at exactly the level suited to his/her current ability and knowledge.
1st Floor, Unit Four, Abbey Court Benedict Drive, Selby, YO8 8RY
T: 01757 428008
E: selby@kipmcgrath.co.uk
Welcome to Selby Tutoring
Selby Tutoring is a local company set up to help the needs of the local children. During these uncertain times we understand that you may be worried about your child’s core skills in English and Maths, we are here to help your child reach their full potential.
Selby Tutoring will offer your child personalised tuition through learning programmes in English and Maths these are in-line with the National Curriculum and are designed to help bridge any gaps in learning. Which is especially important after the breaks in schooling over the last year due to the pandemic.
Our tuition and qualified teachers are available online and in centre to help support your child. The online lessons are delivered in real-time using exclusive tools such as the interactive whiteboard and message board. We have helped thousands of learners become more confident and improve their Maths, English, Reading, Spelling and Comprehension skills.
At Selby Tutoring we tutor in a bright and vibrant centre. Our centre has a laid-back positive feel and students know exactly what they are coming to the centre for and because of this they focus. Students will have fun learning and we ensure that progress is made every lesson.
“Do I offer 1:1 tuition?” – “No!” –
And here’s why not…The most common question parents ask me is, “Do you offer one-to-one tuition as that’s what we are looking for?”
My response is usually, “What is it about one-to-one tuition that appeals to you?”
I worked as a private tutor on a one-to-one basis for years in the Middle East, I loved it, but I never had the same successes with students as I’ve had tutoring with at Selby Tutoring. One-to-one tuition is intense, it’s intense for both students and tutors.
The initial FREE assessment is one-to-one. It needs to be as we’re aiming to find out individual strengths and weaknesses. During an assessment, I find myself trying to keep busy so that the student doesn’t feel pressure from me hovering and watching what they’re doing. I write unnecessary notes and often end up doodling!
Due to this unique assessment process, along with the systems and resources we have, we can place students at exactly the right level on their bespoke program of study. They’ll be able to complete a certain percentage of it immediately whilst the remaining percentage is what stretches and challenges. This ensures they achieve success as soon as they start tuition, this works wonders for their self-belief. It really is true; if you think you can do it, you can do it!
At Selby Tutoring, we usually tutor in our centre the centre is a bright, vibrant place with a laid back, positive feel. Students know exactly what they’re coming to the centre for and because of that they focus. We have fun but we ensure that students make progress each session.
We also offer on-line tuition from home with a teacher, this form of tuition works very well and gives the student a one-to-one feeling. This program has been working for seven years and allows the student to access our bespoke system. Tuition at home can suit some students, as they’re happier in their familiar environment but for others, there are too many distractions.
When working in the centre students are in groups of two, three and four. The group size depends on the mix of students and their needs. Our ratio of students to teachers ensures that every student gets one-to-one time with the teacher. The information gained in this individual teaching time is then put into practice during the work students complete independently. The teacher is available for support, guidance, encouragement and questions at all times. The independent work is what promotes confidence, self-esteem and self-belief. This is the time when students grow and thrive. These skills in working independently are crucial for success at school, college and in later life. It’s the best of both worlds!
All our teachers are qualified, experienced, and passionate about what they do. All our teachers are also fully DBS checked and trained in safeguarding, there is always a member of staff with a paediatric first aid qualification on the premises. This is a requirement of our Ofsted registration.
Our results speak for themselves and I’m confident we have the best tools to help every child achieve their full potential.
Would my child be better having one to one tuition?
Here at Selby Tutoring, we firmly believe in giving every child individual support within small groups of no more than four students this is because it has been proven over many years to work best for our students, this will also benefit your child in a classroom situation.
Whilst helping your child progress with their English and Maths, we aim to help them work more effectively in the classroom setting. Knowing how to work in small groups helps your child continue to improve back in school.
My Child has Dyslexia how can you help?
What benefits dyslexic students benefits all students! Our tutoring programmes are structured, methodical, multi-sensory and offer unlimited opportunity for over learning making them perfect for all students with or without dyslexia.
I feel my child is Gifted but still struggles at school can you help?
Gifted children often have added pressures and expectations put upon them, not just from parents or school but from peer groups and themselves too. Gifted children may often require more challenging lessons to avoid boredom and the freedom to learn at their own pace. If you feel we can offer help we would also explore the reasons why your child is struggling at school, then we can aim at helping him or her overcome their reasons for struggling. If we can help here at Selby Tutoring, we absolutely will.
Smiles&Miles Tutoring is a reputable local private tuition business that provides qualified and highly skilled teachers to work online with students across all key stages. Our tutors offer the majority of primary and secondary subjects.
Our tutors are passionate about making a positive difference to children’s learning experiences and success. Sessions are engaging and tailored specifically to the individual needs and interests of the student.
A ‘Smile’s File’ which contains books and stationery needed for the sessions is posted out to every student.
We offer a friendly service with flexible booking and no contracts.
Here’s what parents are saying about our online tutoring sessions…
“They absolutely love being taught by her, and even when this all returns to normal, I would definitely like to keep her support in place for them all”
Mum of Year 8, 9 and 10 students
“She really enjoyed her session yesterday. I left them to it and could hear her talking enthusiastically, she was very upbeat afterwards which actually made me feel quite emotional, often after trying to do maths with her myself we are both emotional for the wrong reasons! We definitely want to carry on.”
Mum of a Year 3 student
“My daughter finds the online sessions fun and interactive and has adapted really well. It gives me great peace of mind that for at least one session each week she is supported by a qualified tutor who can ensure any gaps are filled…Smiles and Miles offer really fun, flexible and child focussed learning. I would recommend them to anyone.”
Mum of a Year 6 student
“ …not only have the sessions improved his grades but boosted his confidence immensely. He looks forward to his sessions every week.”
Mum of a Year 6 student
“…she was in desperate need of some structure and routine so we called Smiles and Miles Tutoring to come to the rescue! I was absolutely blown away! The tutor was amazing and kept my daughter’s attention for the whole session. She really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next session”
Mum of an Early Years Student
“The online sessions go at my daughter’s pace and the tutor always makes sure that she engages with the subject and fully understands it before moving on. She also makes sure that the sessions are fun and engaging. Thank you!”
Mum of a Year 3 student
Mention STAG Mumbler when booking your first session and you will receive a £5 discount off your first tutoring session!
E: smilesandmilestutoring@gmail.com
T:07741252114
As a National Standard, British Cycling accredited Instructor for Bikeability Levels 1, 2 and 3 I can get anyone riding in a fun and friendly way. I am also a Qualified HSBC UK/British Cycling Level 1 Ride Leader… and also being a British Cycling Level 2 Coach also helps… with plenty tricks and resources up my sleeve 🙂
T: 07930 585022
