Teachers help youngsters to reach for the STARS

Tracey Young and Cherry Nott set up STARS Learning Centre Ltd, based in the Cheviot Centre at Wooler, in October and it has grown into a successful rural business, supporting children and young people around north Northumberland.

They offer specialist, one-to-one tuition, advice and revision services for individuals, school and social groups in preparation for SATS and GCSE exams.

Tracey said: “Whilst living in beautiful rural Northumberland has the benefits of ample fresh air and exploring the countryside, the down side is the rural isolation, which often means that children find it difficult to stay after school and socialise with friends at after-school clubs, often due to transport issues and viable numbers of children.”

The centre has completed a successful winter homework club which allowed children to interact with others, while getting the support and help they need. For older children, one-to-one tuition and revision help with GCSEs has become very popular.

As well as helping the child learn or revise a specific subject, Tracey and Cherry give them confidence and help them prepare for the test papers.

They work with children from the age of five and adults of all ages, in schools, at student homes or from the Cheviot Centre.

Cherry said: “Our aim is to work together to get the best results for our young people, giving them the best possible start to adult life. Sometimes just a different encouraging voice can engage the learner at a critical and stressful time in their life.”

Now they are expanding into dyslexic advice, assessment and tutoring, in association with Dyslexia North East.

The centre offers children and adults indirect dyslexia learning and touch-type read and spell courses. Both courses aim to develop literacy skills, confidence, self-esteem and motivation, which can then lead to positive outcomes at school and help towards employment.

Tracey and Cherry are hoping to get their own mini bus to increase flexibility and offer more outdoor learning and alternative curriculum projects. It could also be available for use by community groups.

They are appealing for businesses who could help them get a bus to contact them at [email protected]