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Top Banana Learning
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About Top Banana Learning
Specialising in English and Maths tutoring for children between the ages of 5 and 12, Top Banana Learning opened its doors in October 2013. Since then I have run a number of enterprises under the Top Banana Learning banner, notably tutoring, child care, toddler activities and most recently screenings for Specific Learning Difficulties including dyslexia.
My background is firmly set within the education field. I trained as a primary school teacher in 1999, having already gained a great deal of experience with young people working as a sports leader, sailing instructor, nanny and volunteer within Girl Guides and at respite holidays for disabled children.
Once qualified I took up the role of Maths Subject Leader from where I was identified as an outstanding teacher with strong leadership potential and given the opportunity to join the Fast Track Teacher Programme. In 2005 I was promoted to Deputy Head Teacher; this varied role included overall responsibility for Children In Care and those with Special Educational Needs. My teaching role developed during this time and I began spending less time teaching whole classes and more time working with individuals to discover their unique barriers to learning and develop a plan to address these needs. I found this work to be incredibly rewarding and enjoyed enormously being part of the success story for so many pupils.
In addition to working with pupils I had the privilege of being asked to work in a supportive role to many colleagues from my own and neighbouring schools; mentoring students, newly qualified teachers and recently promoted subject leaders. I was also invited to speak at a number of conferences about both the methods I was developing in school and my experiences of school leadership.
Following the birth of my daughter I decided not to return to the school environment but began tutoring some friend’s children from my home. Recommendations soon followed and after less than six... show more months I found myself having to establish a waiting list.
I feel extremely fortunate to have a job that I love. I am passionate about working in conjunction with children and their parents’ to help them reach their potential, particularly if they have been struggling or underachieving at school. The hour always seems to pass incredibly quickly and the children often want to stay to just finish one more exercise, even after their parents have arrived to take them home. I take great pride in working in a relaxed, friendly and flexible manner. I use on going assessment to ensure all lessons are tailored to the individual pupil, modifying lessons on the spot and drawing on my experience and wealth of resources to ensure all time is used as productively as possible.
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Specialising in English and Maths tutoring for children between the ages of 5 and 12, Top Banana Learning opened its doors in October 2013. Since then I have run a number of enterprises under the Top Banana Learning banner, notably tutoring, child care, toddler activities and most recently screenings for Specific Learning Difficulties including dyslexia.
My background is firmly set within the education field. I trained as a primary school teacher in 1999, having already gained a great deal of experience with young people working as a sports leader, sailing instructor, nanny and volunteer within Girl Guides and at respite holidays for disabled children.
Once qualified I took up the role of Maths Subject Leader from where I was identified as an outstanding teacher with strong leadership potential and given the opportunity to join the Fast Track Teacher Programme. In 2005 I was promoted to Deputy Head Teacher; this varied role included overall responsibility for Children In Care and those with Special Educational Needs. My teaching role developed during this time and I began spending less time teaching whole classes and more time working with individuals to discover their unique barriers to learning and develop a plan to address these needs. I found this work to be incredibly rewarding and enjoyed enormously being part of the success story for so many pupils.
In addition to working with pupils I had the privilege of being asked to work in a supportive role to many colleagues from my own and neighbouring schools; mentoring students, newly qualified teachers and recently promoted subject leaders. I was also invited to speak at a number of conferences about both the methods I was developing in school and my experiences of school leadership.
Following the birth of my daughter I decided not to return to the school environment but began tutoring some friend’s children from my home. Recommendations soon followed and after less than six... show more months I found myself having to establish a waiting list.
I feel extremely fortunate to have a job that I love. I am passionate about working in conjunction with children and their parents’ to help them reach their potential, particularly if they have been struggling or underachieving at school. The hour always seems to pass incredibly quickly and the children often want to stay to just finish one more exercise, even after their parents have arrived to take them home. I take great pride in working in a relaxed, friendly and flexible manner. I use on going assessment to ensure all lessons are tailored to the individual pupil, modifying lessons on the spot and drawing on my experience and wealth of resources to ensure all time is used as productively as possible.
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5 recommendations and reviews from 2 people
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Referral from
January 25, 2016
Katie G. asked:Hello. Does anyone have any recommendations for an after school tutor - maths and english - child aged 9 (yr 4)? If you do I'd be really grateful if you could PM me. ThanksLana K. replied:Thanks everyone for mentioning me. Hi Katie, I am full with a long waiting list for 1:1's but can accommodate children into existing groups in some cases. Have a look at my website www.topbananalearning.com Or look at my Facebook page Www.facebook.com/topbananalearning Please feel free to get in touch of you think I can be of help. Best wishes, Lana
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Referral from
October 16, 2015
Vicky A. asked:My lovely au pair, Michaela 20 from Czech Republic, has excellent English but would like to practise her Grammar and we are looking for an English teacher who could do an hour or 2 a week from January. Does anyone know anyone in the Haslemere area who can help?Lana K. replied:Would you be looking for daytime or evening classes? If daytime I may be able to offer classes depending on what level you are looking for. Www.topbananalearning.com Www.facebook.com/topbananalearning
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Referral from
March 2, 2015
Alex A. asked:What are the childcare options in Haslemere and surrounds aside from school and formal nurseries? Are there any crèches or certified ad hoc baby sitting services available to mums in the area who just want a couple of hours time out. Has anyone used Sitters.co.uk in the daytime. Are there any other agencies like them round here. I ask not only for myself but also just saw another mum on a local Facebook site asking if there were any ad hoc childminders. What are your experiences?Lana K. replied:Thanks Claire . I'm in Haslemere and offer flexible day time babysitting at my home for up to two hours per day. Www.facebook.com/topbananalearning
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Referral from
April 11, 2015
Laila M. asked:We are looking for a tutor to help our year 3 boy in maths and english once or twice a week after school. We live in Haslemere town centre. Many thanksCaroline T. replied:Lana of Top Banana Learning is great 😊https://www.facebook.com/topbananalearning
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Referral from
March 6, 2015
David S. asked:Looking for a year 8 maths tutor.Caroline T. replied:Lana from Top Banana Learning. https://www.facebook.com/topbananalearning
Recommendations from Lana K.
Recommendations from Caroline T.
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