Children in Richmond and surrounding boroughs are being offered free help with their schoolwork, thanks to a new online homework club.

The new ‘Saturday Catch-up Club’ is the brainchild of local charity Multicultural Richmond.

It will offer expert tutoring at GCSE and SATs level in English, Maths and Science, to help kids who need extra support during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, nearly 80% of UK teachers and school support staff reported a widening attainment gap between poorer pupils and their peers due to lockdown school closures.

The Saturday Catch-up Club aims to help plug that gap, focussing on less affluent communities in Richmond.

Multicultural Richmond’s Director, Ravi Arora, said:

“School closures have been hard for everyone, and especially for children who are trying to keep up with their schoolwork. Our new Saturday Catch-up Club is a free and friendly place for children and their parents to ask for dedicated support with Maths, Science and English, and to meet other local families in the same boat. We’re determined to make sure our local kids don’t fall behind.”

Neetu a local parent, said: “This is such a great idea. I am really struggling with the constant yo-yo of school openings and closures and this weekly club will make a huge difference. My local school is doing a great job, but having some extra help is just what we need.”

The Saturday Catch-up Club will take place on Zoom normally on Saturday mornings and afternoons, with the first taster sessions kicking off on Saturday 30 January.

Multicultural Richmond will manage the sessions which will be run by professional and experienced tutors.

To apply contact Ravi Arora, Director, Multicultural Richmond on 020 8893 9444 or email ravi@multiculturalrichmond.org.uk for more information.

Or visit their website to find out more: www.multiculturalrichmond.org.uk.