Questions and Answers

• What sort of return can I expect from a NumberWorks'nWords centre?
• What does it cost to become a NumberWorks'nWords franchisee?
• What sort of hours will I be working?
• How many staff does a centre need?
• Can I visit a centre to see what it's like?
• What size are the territories?
• About how many NumberWorks'nWords centres are there in the world?
• Is demand growing for after-school tutoring?
• How will I get students?
• How do children learn at NumberWorks'nWords?
• What do schools think of NumberWorks'nWords?

What sort of return can I expect from a NumberWorks'nWords centre?

We provide cash flow projections for the first three years of operation. Costs are fixed, so profitability grows as your roll grows.

What does it cost to become a NumberWorks'nWords franchisee?

The all-inclusive cost of establishing a NumberWorks'nWords centre is approximately $55,000. This figure includes start-up costs, such as materials, support and initial training. Ongoing cost is 12.5% of turnover. There is no advertising levy.

What sort of hours will I be working?

Teaching time is all after school. As you know, good teaching requires preparation time in addition to contact time.

How many staff does a centre need?

One full-time teacher can run a NumberWorks'nWords centre. The balance of staff are university students or similar, working on a casual basis one or two nights a week. The number of tutors required is determined by the roll. We prefer to use university students as tutors because the children enjoy working with them and often aspire to be like them.

Can I visit a centre to see what it's like?

Of course! We welcome observers during our after-school sessions. Spending time in a centre is the best way to find out if you want to own a franchise.

What size are the territories?

Territories vary depending on the population density of the location, i.e. provincial territories may be larger than urban territories. Territories are always designed to be big enough to support a profitable centre.

About how many NumberWorks'nWords centres are there in the world?

Since we started in 1984, we have expanded from New Zealand to Australia, England, and the Philippines. There are now more than 55 NumberWorks'nWords centres in the world.

Is demand growing for after-school tutoring?

Yes. Parents are becoming more aware of numeracy and literacy standards, as well as the consequences of poor achievement at school. Those with high-achieving children are keen to see that potential is fully developed.

How will I get students?

Our marketing programme focuses on the local community around your centre. Advertising campaigns have proven effective both in the early days and ongoing life of the centre.

How do children learn at NumberWorks'nWords?

Our tutoring programmes combine imaginative and easy-to-use software with sound teaching practices. We cover the full mathematics and literacy curricula, and every student works at a level that is correct for him or her. Central to the success of our tutoring programmes is VIT - very intensive teaching. The teacher:student ratio in a centre is usually one to three.

What do schools think of NumberWorks'nWords?

We aim to establish good relationships with local schools. Our tutoring service is complementary to the teaching provided during school hours. Teachers can become strong advocates for NumberWorks'nWords. We are happy to support fundraising initiatives at school through advertising and vouchers for tuition.