Focused help between lessons when a student gets stuck
Pocket Support gives members a calm, clear way to ask a specific GCSE maths question between sessions. The aim is to help the student take the next step, not to complete the work for them.
Pocket Support is an educational support service. It is not monitored continuously and must not be used for emergencies or urgent safeguarding concerns.
A clear next step before frustration takes over
Pocket Support works best when a student has tried the question and can identify the exact point where their understanding breaks down.
Starting a question
A prompt can help the student recognise the topic, choose a method and make a sensible first step.
Understanding a method
A focused explanation can clarify one part of a method that did not make sense in class or during revision.
Checking an attempt
The student can share their working and receive guidance on where the method changed direction or an error appeared.
Four simple steps
A clear question and a visible attempt make the support more useful.
Try first
The student attempts the question and identifies the exact step causing difficulty.
Send clearly
They send the question, their working and a short explanation of what they do not understand.
Receive guidance
Michael replies with a focused prompt, explanation or worked step that helps them continue.
Apply it
The student uses the guidance, completes the next step and builds greater independence.
Specific questions lead to useful answers
A useful Pocket Support message
- includes a clear photograph or copy of the question
- shows the student’s attempt where possible
- identifies the exact step that feels unclear
- asks one focused maths question
Less useful messages
- “I don’t understand any of this” without the question
- a whole homework sheet with no attempt
- several unrelated topics in one request
- a request for assessed work to be completed
Clear boundaries keep the support useful and sustainable
Each named student may send up to two focused questions per day and up to ten questions per week during PMT term time.
Responses are normally provided within 24 hours on working days. Messages sent during weekends, school holidays or planned closures may be answered when the service resumes.
The limits encourage students to choose their most important questions and allow each response to remain thoughtful and useful.
Focused guidance, not unlimited private tuition
Pocket Support can help with
- one specific method or question
- a prompt to get started
- checking where working went wrong
- clarifying a lesson or Pocket Lesson
- building confidence to continue independently
Pocket Support is not for
- completing homework or assessed work
- teaching a whole topic through messages
- instant or continuously monitored support
- emergencies or safeguarding disclosures
- replacing live lessons or one-to-one tuition
Safeguarding and appropriate communication
Pocket Support must be used through the approved PMT communication channel and for appropriate educational questions only. Any safeguarding arrangements and contact details provided when membership begins will apply.
Pocket Support FAQs
Is Pocket Support included in Membership?
Yes. Pocket Support is part of Full PMT Membership during the published programme weeks and term-time service periods.
How quickly will my child receive a reply?
Responses are normally provided within 24 hours on working days during term time. The service is not monitored continuously.
Will you complete homework for my child?
No. The purpose is to explain, prompt and guide so the student can understand and continue independently.
Can my child send several questions at once?
Each request should contain one focused question. The daily and weekly limits apply so the service remains manageable and useful.
What if the topic needs more than a short reply?
A live lesson, recording, Pocket Lesson or separately booked one-to-one session may be more appropriate for a wider topic or several connected questions.
Can Pocket Support be used for emergencies?
No. It is an educational service and is not monitored continuously. Emergency or safeguarding concerns must be raised through the appropriate emergency or safeguarding route.
See how each part works
Each part has a clear role. Use the links below to move between the overview and the detailed pages.
Give your child somewhere sensible to turn when maths feels difficult
Pocket Support works alongside Live Lessons and Pocket Lessons as part of the full PMT Membership system.
