FAQs
How are PM Education sessions different from traditional tutoring?
PM Education specialises in assessment-led small-group tuition. Rather than relying solely on one-to-one instruction or repetitive practice, sessions are designed to develop deep understanding through discussion, reasoning, and collaboration.
Children learn not only from expert teaching, but also from explaining their thinking, hearing the ideas of others, and engaging in structured academic discussion.
Who are the sessions designed for?
PM Education currently supports pupils in Years 4, 5 and 6.
Our sessions are suitable for children who would benefit from strengthening core reading and mathematical skills, developing confidence, deepening understanding, and preparing effectively for Key Stage 2 SATs.
What are the Securing the Fundamentals classes?
These classes are designed for pupils current in Years 4 and 5.
Sessions focus on strengthening the core reading and mathematical knowledge needed for future success, helping children build confidence, fluency and secure understanding before beginning formal SATs preparation.
What are the Year 6 SATs classes?
Our Year 6 SATs classes focus on developing the reasoning, problem-solving, comprehension, and test skills required for success in the Key Stage 2 SATs.
The emphasis remains on deep understanding rather than simply practicing test questions.
Are sessions one-to-one?
No. PM Education specialises in small-group tuition.
Our sessions are designed to encourage discussion, collaboration, verbal reasoning, and confidence in communicating ideas. Small-group learning allows children to learn from both expert teaching and the thinking of their peers.
Why do you use small groups instead of one-to-one tuition?
We believe discussion is a powerful tool for learning. Through carefully structured questioning and collaborative activities, pupils develop skills that are difficult to replicate in traditional one-to-one tutoring.
Small groups also help children build confidence and become more articulate learners.
What is oracy and why is it important?
Oracy refers to a child's ability to express ideas clearly, explain their thinking, listen to others, and engage in meaningful discussion.
At PM Education, we place a strong emphasis on oracy because speaking and reasoning about learning helps children develop deeper understanding, stronger problem-solving skills, and greater confidence.
How do I get started?
The first step is to book a free consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your child's current attainment, areas of strength, and any concerns you may have. This helps to determine whether PM Education is the right fit for your child.
How is my child assessed?
Following consultation, pupils complete an assessment designed to identify their current strengths, gaps in learning, and areas requiring further development.
Assessment outcomes are used to inform future teaching. This allows sessions to be carefully planned around the needs of the learners while ensuring key knowledge and skills are secured.
Assessment is not used simply to generate a score. Instead, it helps us understand how a child is thinking, where misconceptions may exist, and which areas will have the greatest impact on their progress.
As tuition continues, ongoing formative assessment is used within sessions to monitor understanding and adapt teaching where needed.
How large are the groups?
Groups are intentionally kept to a maximum of 10 children per session to allow opportunities to participate, contribute to discussion, and receive support from the teacher.
Are sessions taught live?
Yes. All sessions are taught live by Paul Maddock, an experienced qualified teacher and senior leader with over 10 years of experience in primary education.
How do online sessions work?
Students join their scheduled lessons online using the details provided after booking. Students should have access to a suitable device, a reliable internet connection, and any materials requested before the session.
How do tuition plans work?
Tuition plans provide access to sessions over a defined period.
Monthly, termly and annual options are available. Full details can be found on the Tuition Plans page.
What happens if my child misses a session?
Missed sessions and sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice may be forfeited and deducted from the student's remaining sessions. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for full details.
Do you support students with SEND?
PM Education welcomes enquiries from families of pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Every child is different, and the suitability of our small-group sessions will be discussed during the consultation process.
During the consultation and assessment process, we take time to understand each child's needs and discuss whether our provision is the right fit.
If your child has an EHCP, diagnosed SEND, or additional learning needs, we encourage you to discuss this with us during your consultation so that we can determine the most suitable next steps.