Children can check in to Asda for extra learning

Parents in Bexleyheath will soon be able to drop off their children for school lessons at their local Asda store.

The pupils can take part in hour-long one-to-one tuition sessions while their parents go shopping.

The scheme was originally trialled with three pupils in the area and education chiefs will now expand the idea after it proved a big success.

Bexley Council arranged for teachers to use a room at the store after teachers selected the pupils they believed would benefit from extra work.

Ten councils across the country are running the Government's Making Good Progress scheme, which provides 10 one-to-one afterschool tuition sessions in English and mathematics.

The Government is looking to expand the scheme for more weekend sessions at supermarkets as part of its drive to help children who are having difficulty with their reading and writing.

Schools minister Jim Knight said: "It's been a big success. It's helping children who are struggling at school but it is convenient for parents too.

"I'd like to see this sort of scheme extended across the country."

On the Making Good Progress scheme, children receive up to 20 hours of individual tutoring to get them back on target and schools in the pilot are paid a premium if good progress is made.