A charity which teaches English to refugees and migrants on a one-to-one basis is hailing its success.

Learn English at Home (LEAH) have recently found that their clients English skills improved massively due to their one to one teaching methods, in research carried out by two independent assessors.

The research released in June, includes speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, which gave clients to confidence to interact with people in English on a day to day basis.

The Richmond and Kingston based charity teaches English to isolated individuals such as refugees and migrants.

One client said: “Today my little one had a vaccine and I took him to the doctor. Before this I couldn’t make an appointment alone. Now I can take the phone and answer questions."

Another said: “I use it [English] in my daily life, in the school, talking with the teacher, GP, at the market and in shops. I can speak with the other mothers too.”

Kate Brown, LEAH Director said: “The evaluation provides external and academic weight to what we already know: that LEAH makes a difference to the lives of isolated people with very low language levels, though improved English, confidence and access to local services.”

The one-to-one approach provides tailored support to the specific needs of clients. It allows them to make quicker progress and takes place in a supportive environment, for clients who might lack the confidence to join a class.

Each client was rated on a 3-step scale using a range of different indicators, which include language level, confidence, knowledge of local services and access to these services.

LEAH staff first assessed the client and then there was a discussion with the volunteer after six months.

The timing of the research coincides with the government focus on the need for language support for new arrivals in communities.

The majority of LEAH’s clients originate from South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.