Last updated 14:38, Tuesday, 09 September 2008

A NEW education centre is planned for Barrow.

The Kip McGrath franchised educational consultancy and tuition business would be run by Michael and Elaine Oakes on the ground floor of their three-storey terraced home on Furness Park Road.

Mr Oakes has applied for planning permission for the venture from Barrow Borough Council.

A report supporting his proposal gives an idea of how the centre would operate.

“The core consultancy business offers professional educational assessments and advice for parents of children between the ages of six and 16, together with supplementary tuition in English, maths and study skills through individualised study programmes,” the reports says.

“Typically, these programmes are taught within the centre in 80-minute sessions between 4pm and 8.30pm on weekdays and 9am to noon on Saturdays, school term dates.

“Daytime holiday courses may also be run and other subject areas may be catered for, depending on demand.

“Tutoring takes places in small groups with up to a maximum of five pupils per tutor.

“With two tuition rooms available, a maximum of 10 pupils can be accommodated per session although the average attendance number will be lower and some session times will be used for one-to-one assessments and consultations.”

The report goes on to say that Kip McGrath has developed extra programmes for under sixes and further education for learners of all ages.

“Depending on the level of interest and demand, these may be taught at times outside those noted above for the core business,” it adds.

Mr and Mrs Oakes have told the council their target date for opening the business is October 1 and they would appreciate a “prompt” decision on the proposal.

Case officer Barry Jesson was unavailable yesterday (Friday, Sept 5) to say when the council would decide whether to approve the plan.