FAQs for Learners & Referrers

Q. What does Learn English at Home offer?

We offer online and phone 1:1 and group English lessons. We are reintroducing in person support at the client's home or hostel. Our community classes are held at local community venues and some have creche facilities. 

Q. Who can refer?

We accept referrals from health and social care professionals; government and educational organisations, and other charities. We are currently unable to accept referrals from family members or friends or self-referrals.  

Q. Can I sign up myself?

We do not accept self-referrals or referrals from family members or friends.

Q. What is your acceptance criteria?

Residents of Kingston upon Thames, Richmond and Hounslow boroughs (and across London if a person has experienced violence or has been trafficked) with low level English language skills who need help to communicate their basic/everyday needs but cannot attend adult education classes regularly for the following reasons: 

• Have additional social needs e.g. experienced domestic violence or victims of trafficking

• Have a young child/children at home with additional needs e.g. a disability

• Have physical or mental health needs

• Are carers who cannot leave home because of their caring duties

• Have very low-level English language skills

Q. What happens once someone is referred?

We will send you and the person you have referred an email confirming that we have received the request for support

One of our LEAH coordinators will contact the client to arrange an initial assessment. This is to help us design the best support for the client in terms of their English language and additional needs. It’s very important that the client attends the initial assessment at the agreed time. We are unable to support clients who fail to attend and they will be removed from our waiting list.  

Once we have assessed the client’s needs and level of English, we either identify a tutor for 1:1 lessons and arrange an introductory meeting and a suitable day and time to have their lessons or tell the client the time and day for group classes.

Q. How long does it take for my client to get a LEAH tutor?

We aim to find a tutor as soon as we can but it depends on the availability of volunteers at that time. We have a waiting list and the waiting time can range from one to nine months. We prioritise clients according to their needs.

Q. What do I do if there have been any changes to my client’s situation?

If your client’s contact details or situation changes while they are waiting for a tutor or during the time they have a LEAH tutor, please contact us directly to update us.

Q. When do the lessons take place?

Lessons take place within school hours 9am-3.30pm. Volunteer tutors call or support via remote video once a week at a pre-arranged time. It is important that lessons are held regularly. We are reintroducing in person tutoring. 

Q. When does the tutoring take place?

Tutoring takes place within school hours 9am-3.30pm. Volunteer tutors call or support via remote video once a week at a pre-arranged time. It is important that lessons take place regularly.

Q. What training do LEAH volunteers have?

LEAH tutors attend an online intensive 5-week course (1 day a week). We also require tutors to complete online Safeguarding and Diversity and Inclusion courses.

Q. Are tutors DBS checked?

Yes. All our tutors are required to have a DBS check.

Q. What do I do if my client is experiencing problems with their lessons?

If you have any queries or worries about the service your client is receiving, please do not hesitate to contact us.