Question 1

What exactly is Moodle?

Accepted Answer

Moodle is simply the secure online learning area we use for the English course.Think of it as your learner’s course home. It is where they can see what topic they are working on, complete short questions after lessons, keep track of what they have finished and see what comes next.You do not need any previous experience of Moodle. I will provide clear guidance so both learners and parents know how to use it.

Question 2

How does a typical lesson work?

Accepted Answer

The course follows a simple, predictable pattern:Watch the lesson → practise the skill → complete a few questions on Moodle → move onSome topics also have workbook activities to complete alongside the video.At regular points, work is submitted to me for personalised feedback so I can see what is going well and where a learner may need a little more support.

Question 3

How do I know whether my child is understanding the lessons?

Accepted Answer

Learners complete short check-in questions on Moodle as they work through each topic.These are not there to catch anyone out. They simply reinforce the teaching and help me see whether the learner has understood the skill before moving on.I also mark work regularly and provide individual feedback and guidance throughout the course.

Question 4

Do we have to buy the printed workbooks?

Accepted Answer

No. The workbooks are completely optional.Some learners are happy working digitally, while others concentrate much better with a physical workbook and pen in front of them.The teaching is the same whichever option you choose, so families can use whichever approach suits their learner best.

Question 5

What if I don't know whether my child is working at Level 1?

Accepted Answer

Please don't worry — you don't have to work that out by yourself.I offer a free, relaxed online level check to help establish whether Level 1 is an appropriate starting point.It is not designed to feel like a formal or stressful exam. It simply helps me understand where your learner is currently working and what would suit them best.

Question 6

How does the Speaking, Listening & Communicating assessment work?

Accepted Answer

We prepare for this gradually and together.Learners will have opportunities to practise with me in small groups, so they can get used to the format, the other learners and what is expected before the actual assessment.Wherever possible, I aim for learners to complete their assessment with the same small group they have been practising with, rather than suddenly being placed with unfamiliar people.We practise things such as taking turns, giving an opinion, asking questions, responding to somebody else's ideas and talking about a chosen topic.If a learner has additional needs, we can also look at appropriate access arrangements or reasonable adjustments within the qualification requirements.The aim is for the actual assessment to feel like something they have already practised — not a completely new experience.

Question 7

My child finds speaking to unfamiliar people very difficult. Does that mean they can't do Functional Skills English?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily at all.This is something we can plan for well in advance.Learners will practise the skills they need in a small and supportive setting, and I will work with families to understand any additional needs or access arrangements that may be appropriate.Nobody will simply be dropped into an unfamiliar group with no preparation.

Question 8

Does my child have to take the exams on a fixed date?

Accepted Answer

No.I do not believe in entering a learner for an exam simply because a particular date has arrived.The course works towards the assessments gradually, and learners should take each one when they are ready.This means one learner may be ready earlier than another — and that is absolutely fine.

Question 9

Do Reading, Writing and Speaking & Listening all have to be taken together?

Accepted Answer

No.They are separate parts of the qualification and can be approached individually.This means learners can concentrate on one area at a time rather than having to prepare for everything at once.

Question 10

What if my child falls behind?

Accepted Answer

There isn't really a traditional idea of being "behind" on this course.Learners can pause, revisit lessons and spend longer on a topic when they need to.The course has a clear structure, but there is flexibility within it. If your learner is struggling with something, I can help identify what needs revisiting before they move on.

Question 11

Is this course only for SEND learners?

Accepted Answer

No.The course is designed to be particularly accessible for home-educated and SEND learners, but it can suit any learner who prefers clear teaching, flexible study and the ability to work at their own pace.

Question 12

Can I see what the course looks like before enrolling?

Accepted Answer

Yes.There is a real sample lesson on this page, together with examples from the accompanying workbook.I want families to be able to see the style of teaching before deciding whether it feels right for their learner.

Question 13

Does my child have to sit the exam?

Accepted Answer

No — absolutely not.A learner is very welcome to complete the Level 1 English course simply to build their English skills, confidence and independence, without sitting the formal assessments.For some learners, the qualification is the goal from the beginning. For others, it may be something they decide they are ready for later. And for some, completing the learning without an exam is the right choice.There is no pressure from me to enter a learner for an assessment.If they do not sit and pass the required assessments, they will not receive the formal Level 1 qualification, but they can still work through and benefit from the full teaching programme.

Question 14

Will my child practise exams before taking the real ones?

Accepted Answer

Yes.Learners are not expected to go from ordinary lessons straight into a real exam.As we get closer to an assessment, we work through mock and practice exams together so learners can become familiar with:the types of questions they may seehow the exam is laid outworking within a time limitdeciding how much detail an answer needsusing the online exam-style formatwhat to do if they get stuckMocks are also really useful for helping us decide whether a learner is genuinely ready for the real assessment.Afterwards, we can look at what went well and anything that would benefit from a little more practice.The aim is for the real exam to feel familiar rather than frightening.

Frequently asked questions