Frequently Asked Questions

How do I sign my child up?

Just click on Buy Now and your child can start straight away.

I have more than one child. Do I need to purchase a subscription for each of my children?

As the programmes are tailored towards each individual child’s learning requirements you need to purchase a subscription for each child. However, you can set up a single account as a parent where you will be able to view details about all children you have registered. We are not currently able to offer a discount for multiple subscriptions.

Is there a minimum subscription period for Arithmetic?

After the first payment, you can cancel your subscription at any time. Your access to the product will remain open until the end of the current subscription period. No refunds can be provided for any unused portion of the subscription period.

How do you determine where my child will start in the programme?

Our Arithmetic course is tailored towards each individual child’s learning requirements and each child learns at their own pace. Once you sign up and purchase one of these products, we will assess your child and determine at which point they should start in our curriculum (please note that very young children will not receive a formal assessment). Once correctly placed, we will constantly assess them in the background to make sure that they continue to learn at a pace and level which is right for them. We want all children to love maths!

Does my child have to do 5 sessions a week?

This is not compulsory but we recommend that your child does 5 sessions per week (these usually last around 15 to 20 mins each). More than one session can be completed in a day if desired and can be completed at any time of day. The target number of homeworks you wish your child to complete per week can be set by the parent.

Why do you recommend a minimum of 5 sessions a week?

Getting a child into a rhythm of learning helps enormously – especially with maths. Each session is geared to last about 15 to 20 minutes. After that, they can play with their avatar and games. If your child is having any difficulty you will be notified.

What is your methodology?

We believe that strong arithmetic skills form the basis of success in maths, so the main focus of our teaching is on developing the skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Our approach is to teach concepts in small steps, emphasising fun and enjoyment while increasing children’s confidence, and we reinforce the learning through concentrated practice sessions.

Does it coincide with topics being learned at school?

Our curriculum covers all of the basic numeracy and arithmetic topics that your child will cover in school. However, as each child learns at their own pace with themathsfactor.com and as our methodology is based on building up knowledge in a structured way, our structured course will not necessarily coincide with what your child is learning in school. With our Choose a Topic functionality, you can select a specific Topic for your child to study if you prefer.

When will secondary school material be available?

We are currently concentrating on primary level material. However, we hope to be adding more material soon. Please keep checking our website and if you are registered you will receive an update as new products become available.

Does Carol Vorderman teach in every session?

Yes. Carol loves teaching. The lessons last around 2 to 4 minutes each and there may be more than one in a session depending on the precise level of learning your child needs.

How fast will I see results?

Instantly. Parents are updated regularly about their child's progress. As much as 5 times a week at the outset. Just as in English, where children have to learn sounds and how to put them together to read, it is critically important in maths to embed certain knowledge so that you know it automatically. Nothing beats practice, practice, practice. Research has proven that this strengthens the synapses in the brain and the learning stays with you throughout your life. You learn to "ride the bike" – you never forget it.

How can I help my child in this process especially when teaching methods have changed?

Carol has made special videos for you showing the new methods, so you can get up to speed yourself.

Don't the animation and sound effects distract from the learning?

No. As long as they are relevant they help make learning fun, but the homeworks themselves are the time for serious concentration.

How much emphasis do you put on practice?

You can't practise enough. Some age groups will be answering up to 100 questions a night, that's between 1,000 and 2,000 per month.

What is the best age for my child to start?

Any age after 4 for our Arithmetic course. The earlier we can instill a love of numbers the better. It will affect their whole life for the better.

Is it expensive?

Definitely not. One to one maths tuition is around £30 per hour in the UK. In London, it can reach £60 per hour. So, for one hour of one to one tuition you can have two to three months on themathsfactor.com.

What is the minimum computer specification I’ll need to join the mathsfactor.com?

A Windows PC running Windows 7, XP, Vista or Greater or an Intel-based Mac running OS X 10.4 or later

Broadband Internet Access (at least 2Mb)

Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later (PC only), Firefox 6.x, Safari 3.x or later, Chrome 10.0 or later (Firefox is the recommended browser on Windows. Safari is the recommended browser on Mac OS X)

Flash Player 10 (can be obtained free from www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/)

PDF viewer (Adobe Acrobat recommended, can be obtained free from http://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/)

A colour printer is beneficial but not essential

Before purchasing, please check the video on our home page and the sample lessons on the website. If you cannot get acceptable performance watching these videos then you should not purchase from themathsfactor.com as the course is video-intensive.

Do you offer a trial period/ free trial?

We do not offer a trial period or free trial. However we do offer a no quibble 10-day money back guarantee. There are also free sample lessons on our website.

How does the 10 day Money Back Guarantee work?

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase from themathsfactor.com. So, in addition to your rights under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000, we are happy to offer you a full refund within 10 days of your purchase if you are not happy with what you have purchased or if you have simply changed your mind.

To get your refund, all you need to do is email our support team stating that you want a refund under the 10 day Money Back Guarantee. Please provide your email address, full name and postcode. If you have purchased a subscription, please give your agreement ID if you have it (this would have been emailed to you when your subscription was first set up). Providing this is received within 10 working days of your original purchase then we will cancel your purchase and provide a full refund within 30 days. Your account with themathsfactor.com will be cancelled immediately.

How can I get a refund?

Under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000, you are entitled to a cooling off period of 7 working days. If you have changed your mind about your purchase from themathsfactor.com in this period then please email our support team stating that you want a refund under the Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000. Please provide your email address, full name and postcode. If you have purchased a subscription, please give your agreement ID if you have it (this would have been emailed to you when your subscription was first set up). Providing this is received within 7 working days of your original purchase then we will cancel your purchase and provide a full refund within 30 days. Your account with themathsfactor.com will be cancelled immediately.

Is the material suitable for children with learning difficulties?

Our material is not designed specifically to address the needs of children with learning difficulties, though children may find the visual style of teaching and emphasis on arithmetic practice is helpful.

Can adults join?

We hope to bring out an adult numeracy package at some point in the future but until then, whilst it is currently aimed at primary school children, there is absolutely nothing to stop you from joining themathsfactor.com and we would be delighted if you do so.