A programme of Lerngesellschaft · Basel

Individual early learning support that helps children grow strong.

Lernbus is an early learning programme grounded in sound educational principles. It supports children before difficulties arise.

Lernbus helps children shape their own development with confidence, independence and a focus on the future.

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Who it is for

  • Children from age 3 to the third year of primary school
  • Children who would benefit from targeted support with their learning skills and skills for the future
  • Early German language support from age 3, one to one in the first semester and in pairs in the second
Location
Münsterplatz 17, Basel
Frequency
Once a week at the same time (except during Basel-Stadt school holidays)
Duration
60 minutes
Booking period
One school semester

Why Lernbus

Learning begins before letters and numbers.

That is why we look at what children need before they begin to struggle with reading, writing or maths.

What learning builds on

Learning builds on many fundamental abilities: perception, attention, language, early mathematical skills, motor skills and self-regulation.

How we support early learning

Learning through play

Children can build these foundations early, through play, with enjoyment and without pressure. Often, it happens naturally, without feeling like ‘learning’. Whether they are making things, moving, sorting, rhyming, experimenting or playing, there are countless ways to support their development and strengthen the foundations for learning.

A stable foundation

For us, early learning support means giving children a secure foundation for later learning, rather than bringing formal schooling forward. We do not wait for gaps to become visible.

Our approach and goals

Lernbus focuses on core skills such as emotional intelligence, creativity, communication, critical thinking and the ability to make connections.

Thinking for themselves

Children learn to think for themselves, recognise connections, find their own ways to solve problems and learn from mistakes.

Learning to persevere

They learn strategies for engaging with topics that may not immediately interest them and for keeping going when they feel reluctant.

Core skills and early German language support

At the same time, we can address gaps in basic language and maths skills and strengthen these foundations.

Early German language support helps children from age three build language foundations, become more confident in expressing themselves and feel more at ease taking part in lessons.

Confidence and resilience

The programme strengthens children's self-confidence, their resilience and their readiness to learn independently.

The goals

  • Strengthening learning skills, self-worth and self-efficacy
  • Fostering curiosity and intrinsic motivation to learn
  • Building resilience and strategies for dealing with setbacks
  • Creating a safe learning environment where children feel valued
  • Fostering communication skills and independent thinking
  • Making individual learning progress visible

Team

Conny Brandes, Head of Lernbus

Conny Brandes

Head of Lernbus

connybrandes@lernbus.ch

My background

I have worked with children in nurseries since I was 16. I began as a nursery practitioner, then spent 14 years running Kita Schnäggi as a self-employed co-director.

More about Conny

My professional development has included training to supervise apprentices and to support early language development, with a focus on German. I am also the mother of two grown-up children and an eight-year-old.

Making time for early learning

Our society still gives too little recognition to the importance of early education and support. In 30 years of working with children, I have found that one thing matters above all when helping each child develop their individual abilities: time.

Time for a child to try things out. And time for an adult to help them practise and strengthen fundamental skills, through play, with warmth and professional knowledge.

Individual support

At Lernbus, we create that space and time, giving children individual support to strengthen their core skills.

Every child, like every person, is unique. No single approach will help every child persevere when something is not working out. But with time, professional knowledge and a caring approach, we can work with each child to discover what they need and help them make it part of how they learn.

What parents say about Conny

How it works

  • Introductory meeting with the parents and the child

  • Individual early learning support in 60-minute lessons. One to one in the first semester to build a trusting relationship, then in pairs in the second semester. Booked for one school semester at a time.

  • Building fundamental abilities: perception, attention, language, early mathematical skills, motor skills and self-regulation

  • A safe learning environment built on trust

  • A personal learning box (Lernkiste) to document each child's progress

  • Parent meetings and support tailored to the needs of children and parents, including accompanying them to meetings

  • Small groups during school holidays to strengthen and develop a wide range of skills

Fees

What does it cost?

Fees are per 60-minute lesson. For lessons in pairs, the fee is per child. We discuss the appropriate rate with you at the introductory meeting.

Fees per 60-minute lesson; for lessons in pairs, the fee is per child
RateOne-to-oneIn pairs per child
Subsidised rateFor families on a tight budget. Made possible by people who invest in children.CHF 10CHF 10
Reduced rateFor families who cannot afford the full fee.CHF 75CHF 60
Full-cost rateCovers the full cost of a place: the lesson, preparation, parent meetings and quality assurance.CHF 100CHF 75
Solidarity rateA contribution above the full cost of a place. The extra amount goes entirely towards subsidised places.CHF 125CHF 90
Which rate is right for our family?A guide based on household size and income

No child should have to miss out on Lernbus for financial reasons. We will work with you in a personal conversation to find a suitable solution.

You choose your own rate. Find your household size and compare it with the combined gross annual income of all adults in your household – before deductions.

We do not ask for proof of income. For subsidised rate A, a FamilienpassPlus or KulturLegi is sufficient.

Gross annual household income in CHF
Household ASubsidised rateBReduced rateCFull-cost rateDSolidarity rate
1 adult1 child up to 42'000 up to 65'000 up to 101'000 from 101'000
1 adult2 children up to 51'000 up to 80'000 up to 125'000 from 125'000
1 adult3 children up to 61'000 up to 95'000 up to 148'000 from 148'000
1 adult4 children up to 70'000 up to 110'000 up to 172'000 from 172'000
2 adults1 child up to 58'000 up to 90'000 up to 140'000 from 140'000
2 adults2 children up to 67'000 up to 105'000 up to 164'000 from 164'000
2 adults3 children up to 77'000 up to 120'000 up to 187'000 from 187'000
2 adults4 children up to 86'000 up to 135'000 up to 211'000 from 211'000

Amounts for A to C are upper limits. If in doubt, choose the lower rate.

For a different household arrangement, use the next larger household listed. If none fits, please contact us.

Request a lesson

Choose a lesson date and time that suits you. We will then contact you to arrange an introductory meeting.

Choose a date and time

60 minutes · Münsterplatz 17, Basel

For parents and legal guardians. Reserving a time does not yet enrol your child. We agree the regular weekly time and semester enrolment after the introductory meeting.

Please enable JavaScript to choose a time here, or send your request by email.

Contact

Ask a question.

If you have a question about Lernbus, send us a message. We will get back to you within a few days.

info@lernbus.ch

Your message will be sent directly to info@lernbus.ch. Contact form privacy information

Frequently asked questions

Is this tutoring?

Not in the usual sense. We address gaps in learning where needed. We also aim to help your child enjoy learning and become an independent learner.

Does my child need to be struggling?

No. Lernbus is open to every child, whatever their starting point or background. We begin early to preserve and strengthen their confidence and enjoyment of learning.

Is it too early to start?

Young children learn through play and through secure relationships. That is where we begin: helping them enjoy learning from the outset, in many different ways.

Why book for a school semester?

Booking for a school semester gives us time to get to know each other and keep working on suitable tasks. We combine a reliable relationship with targeted support. Lessons are booked for a school semester at a time.

Who works with my child?

Our mentors have training in education and experience of working with children. They are carefully selected to meet the highest standards. Regular team meetings, shared professional learning, evaluation and continuing professional development help us maintain quality.

Meet the team →

One-to-one lessons or lessons in pairs?

In the first semester, lessons are one to one. This gives your child and their mentor time to build a trusting relationship. In the second semester, lessons take place in pairs. You book one school semester at a time.

And during the school holidays?

During the school holidays, small groups help children who attend Lernbus build on and consolidate what they have learnt during the school semester.

Professional standards and quality assurance

Our mentors bring empathy, reflective practice and professional expertise to their work. Their educational training and experience enable them to respond to each child's interests and needs.

We maintain and continually improve the quality of the programme.

Who is behind it

A programme of Lerngesellschaft.

Lerngesellschaft (Learning Society) is a non-profit association. It nurtures the natural curiosity and desire to learn of children and young people. Its board members serve on a voluntary basis.

Invest

Invest in children's futures.

Investing in children means giving them time, individual support and room to learn. Your contribution helps fund subsidised places for families who cannot afford the full fee. An investment in children's education pays dividends many times over: in their own lives and in the society they help shape.

Invest

As a non-profit association, Lerngesellschaft is tax-exempt in the canton of Basel-Stadt.