Mary was concerned about her son, Robbie, who seemed to find it difficult to get through all his homework.  Their cosy two-bed flat doesn’t have much space for quiet study and Robbie’s younger sister, Caitlin, was always happy to provide a distraction for him. 

Mary had tried sitting down with Robbie to work through his homework but with her own part-time job, looking after the children and keeping on top of her housework, she found it difficult to make the time. 

“I was quite worried, as Robbie did well at school when he was little but I felt he was slipping behind.  The teacher said that getting into a good routine with homework is really important and I’d love to see my boy do as well as he can.”

Mary confided in her neighbour, Lucille, who said that her grandson was attending a Homework Club and was really benefitting from it.  It turned out to be one of Vital Regeneration’s projects, so Mary enrolled Robbie for the new term. 

“At first, I thought he wasn’t going to enjoy it but really, Robbie hasn’t looked back,” says Mary.  “It’s such a quiet atmosphere at the Homework Club and the tutors are very supportive and encouraging.  I just couldn’t make it like that for him at home with a lively five year old running about.”

Mary is delighted with the change in Robbie’s attitude, not just to homework but to school.  “Robbie understands now that homework is part of his schoolwork but even better than this, his teacher at the school thinks he’s doing well,” she says.  “I think it’s made him more confident and he’s enjoying school because he’s interested and he’s learning more.  Mind you, he still loves having a bit of good old noisy play with Caitlin when he gets back from the Homework Club – but I reckon he’s earned it!”