Six in 10 parents would like to find ways to boost their child’s learning – but rising costs have seen education take a back seat, according to research. A study of 1,000 mums and dads, of children aged eight to 18, revealed exactly half would have loved to have bought more revision materials or additional tutoring, but household budgets are simply too tight.
While 31 percent have made savings elsewhere to pay for tutoring, 44 percent feel that is financially out of the question – although 53 percent worry their child’s potential may be lost. And 38 percent try their best to boost engagement with DIY extracurricular learning at home.
Sean Hirons, co-founder of online tutoring brand, MyEdSpace, which commissioned the research ahead of its Easter revision bootcamps, said: “It can be tricky to find an affordable way to engage your child in extra learning.
“And when it comes to the school break, it can provide a fantastic time for kids to recharge. However, it’s also an opportunity to take the time to assist with revision, and strike a balance – but finding an engaging way to do so is key, so it doesn’t feel like a chore.”
It also emerged 68 percent would pay for private tutoring for their child, were budget not an issue. However, paying the bills, getting a weekly food shop, and meeting mortgage payments, were the main things in life which made such additional learning more difficult.
One in three (34 percent) also revealed the idea that comes to mind when thinking of tutoring was to have a fully qualified teacher come to their home – while just 15 percent considered online sessions.
But 26 percent had written off the idea of tutoring entirely for their child, based on their own school memories.
Almost a fifth (17 percent) admit they don’t believe their kids are particularly engaged, based on what they say when they come home – with 77 percent struggling to inspire them to revise at home.
Reward systems, goal settings, and extra pocket money, were among the top ways parents have tried help improve interest in home learning.
It also emerged 66 percent said their children use online learning materials to revise – and 39 percent engage more with this method, according to the OnePoll figures.
Some of the top ways this helps include the flexibility, how interactive it is, and the fact that it’s a more visual way of learning, according to their parents.
But more than half of parents (56 percent) admit they have not yet thought about how they may look to boost their child’s revision over the Easter holidays – with 18 percent of those unable to afford to supplement it.
And while 26 percent see the school holidays as a time for nothing but relaxing, 28 percent will look to strike a balance between chilling and learning.
For parents considering seeking extra learning support for their children, MyEdSpace has prepared a handy guide of how to get the most out of tutoring.
Sean Hirons, from the brand, which is running affordable virtual bootcamps across the holidays for Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and English, added: “The Easter holidays are nearly upon us, and if your child is heading into exams this year, it may provide the perfect time to boost their learning.
“A rest in the break is very important, but it’s also important to keep learning ticking along with interactive methods that will help children to enjoy their learning.”
