Q. Why was my child chosen?
Pupils are chosen by their school to attend the Study Centre. It is not an indication that the child is naughty or failing at school. We ask that pupils who would benefit most from the experience are given the opportunity to attend. Our aim is to work with pupils on improving their literacy, numeracy and ICT skills. However, we also hope to help children with their confidence levels, their self-esteem and their relationships with their peers. We hope that pupils will enjoy their time with us, and that we provide a different and unique learning environment.

Q. How much does it cost?
The Study Centre is free to attend for all pupils. However, we do ask schools for a small contribution towards transport. Go to Transport page to find out more

Q. How do children get to and from the Centre?
Pupils are collected from school (or a designated pick-up point) by a minibus provided by Sheffield Community Transport. They are collected at the end of each session and taken to their home addresses. Go to Transport page to find out more

Q. Who looks after my child?
Children work with centre staff and volunteer mentors during their time at the Study Centre. Centre manager Mike Reid is an experienced, qualified teacher. He is supported by two part-time staff; a Study Support Officer and Resources Technician (who also work at the Study Support Centre at Sheffield Wednesday FC). We also have a number of learning mentors from Sheffield Hallam University and Millennium Volunteers. Pupils will also have a designated minibus driver and escort who are responsible for children during their journey to and from the Centre. All staff and volunteers are police checked.

Q. What do children do at the Centre?
We offer a range of activities based around improving pupils’ maths, english and ICT skills. Work is usually based around pupils’ own interests and hobbies. The Study Centre also has access to interactive learning programmes and CD-ROMs for pupils to use. Go to Curriculum page to find out more

Q. How often do children attend the Centre?
Each term lasts for either nine or ten weeks. Pupils attend twice a week, either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. Each session lasts for two hours, making a total of approximately 40 hours of Study Support over the term. Primary children attend the Study Centre from 3.30pm – 5.30pm; secondary pupils from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

Q. Is there food and drink provided?
We provide each child with either a hot or cold drink of their choice during each session. Pupils may bring a snack with them. We also sell crisps and fruit at the centre.

Q. How are pupils assessed during their time at the Centre?
Pupils are assessed using an interactive learning programme called Successmaker, which is set at a level according to the individual pupil’s National Curriculum Levels. Go to Curriculum page to find out more

We also ask pupils to complete a self-review at the end of term, explaining how they think they have improved during their time at the Centre. A copy of this review is sent into school and one is given to the pupil. See an example

Q. What incentives are there for children to attend?
During the football season, pupils will receive match tickets for selected Sheffield United home games. We also run an incentives scheme during the term, for which pupils earn merits for completing work. These merits are then converted to prizes. Prizes include Sheffield United merchandise, chocolates and sweets, UGC cinema vouchers and free McDonalds Extra Value Meals. Children who put in a 100% attendance during their time at the Study Centre also receive an extra prize at the end of term. This is currently provided by Asda.