FAQs

Not sure which books your child needs, where to begin or how the writing course works? You’ll find the main answers below.

For a quick route through the books and workbooks, visit the 11+ reading order page. If your question isn’t answered here, please contact us.

Where should my Year 4 child begin?

Begin with The Cadwaladr Chronicles, starting with Trap. It’s normal for children who have only just started Year 4 to find the books difficult. They cater for all 11+ tests, including the very challenging tests for top independent schools. Read the books to or with your child if needed.

Where should my Year 5 child begin?

If seven books feel like too much, begin with Tangled Time and read the three Cadwaladr Quests. If your child is a very happy reader, begin with Trap and read all seven books in order.

Should my child learn every word in the on-page dictionary?

No. Treat these books as you would any other novel. The on-page dictionary helps children understand unfamiliar vocabulary without stopping to find a separate dictionary. It isn’t a list of words to learn. Children should, however, read and understand the Knowledge Nuggets, which explain SPaG, literary devices and inference.

Do all the workbooks need a novel?

No. Some workbooks are tied to a named novel, while the vocabulary revision notebooks and comprehension and verbal skills workbooks can be used on their own. The coloured triangles on our reading-order page show you exactly which is which.

What order should the seven Cadwaladr books be read in?

The four Cadwaladr Chronicles come first, followed by the three Cadwaladr Quests. You can see every title, its supporting workbook and the two possible starting points on the complete reading-order page.

Why are some of the books second editions?

When CEM stopped using paper-based tests, I updated the books for today’s tests. I removed obscure vocabulary and added Knowledge Nuggets covering SPaG, literary devices and inference. Escape remains a first edition and is up to date. A second-hand copy might be an older edition.

Do the workbooks have answers?

Yes. The workbooks have removable answers. The creative writing workbooks also include marking checklists.

Which workbooks include creative writing?

The workbooks marked with a green triangle include creative writing and must be used with the corresponding vocabulary novel. The questions and activities follow the story chapter by chapter.

What does the 11+ Writing Course cover?

Our 11+ Writing Course covers story writing, narrative recount and description, alongside vocabulary, literary devices and spelling, punctuation and grammar. SPaG is taught through children’s writing rather than as a set of isolated drills.

Which ages is the writing course for?

The course is primarily for children preparing for the 11+, but children currently use it from around Year 3 to Year 8, depending on their stage and what they need from the teaching. Children join the live teaching session that best matches their stage.

How long will my child have access?

Your child receives one full year of access to the structured course, quizzes, lesson transcripts, individual writing feedback, live Writing Clinics, detailed critiques, the course community and the growing library of teaching and real writing examples.

Will my child receive individual feedback?

Yes. Children who submit their writing receive individual feedback explaining what is working well, what could be improved and what to focus on next. Each monthly clinic also includes an in-depth critique of one piece from each age group, followed by a full SPaG pass. These critiques are available to every family in the course.

What happens if we miss a live Writing Clinic?

Edited Writing Clinics and detailed critiques are added to the course library. Children’s faces aren’t recorded and their names are removed before a session is added.

How often are the live Writing Clinics?

The Writing Clinics take place monthly and typically last around an hour. The teaching changes in response to the writing children submit.

How much does the course cost?

One year of access costs £399. Interest-free payment options through Klarna and Clearpay are available at Thinkific checkout, subject to their approval and payment terms. PayPal is also available.

Where do you deliver?

We deliver within the United Kingdom, excluding Northern Ireland. Our physical books are printed in the UK after you order and sent using BookVault’s trackable service.

How long will my books take to arrive?

Delivery can take between four and ten days. Books are printed on weekdays after you order, so weekend orders and larger orders can take longer. Shipping times are estimates and can be affected by postal delays, holidays or strikes. Please read the full Shipping and Delivery Policy.

What is your return policy?

You have fourteen calendar days from the day after you receive your order to cancel and return it. If your order has already been shipped, you will be responsible for paying for trackable return shipping. No refund will be issued if a trackable shipping method is not used and the item is lost in transit.

What condition must returned items be in?

Books must be returned in their original unused condition, ‘as new’, in suitable packaging and via a trackable service. ‘As new’ means the book should be free of marks, tears or signs of wear. If a book appears even slightly read, is damaged, or shows signs of use beyond simple inspection, we reserve the right to refuse a refund or offer a partial refund to reflect any loss in value.

Who is responsible for return shipping costs?

You are responsible for paying return shipping costs unless the item is faulty or damaged, in which case we will cover the return shipping costs or replace the item. Please ensure that you use trackable shipping, as we cannot process refunds for returns that are lost in transit.

When will I receive my refund?

We will refund the cost of the books and the least expensive delivery option within 14 days of receiving and inspecting the returned goods. If you originally chose a more expensive delivery, you will need to cover the difference.

What if my book arrives damaged?

If your book arrives damaged, please email dated pictures immediately of the damage, including pictures of the defective packaging, to info@slager.co.uk. Depending on the situation, we may not require you to return the book, but we will offer either a refund or a replacement.

Are there any situations where I cannot get a refund?

Refunds or replacements will not be provided if the incorrect delivery address was provided at checkout, tracking confirms that the item was delivered, or damage or non-delivery is not reported within 14 days of the shipment date.

What happens if my order is delayed?

As we use third-party fulfilment through BookVault, we cannot be held responsible for delays in production or fulfilment once the order has been placed. If your order is delayed due to unforeseen issues, we will keep you informed and handle it at our discretion.

How do I return a book?

You must contact us first to authorise your return. Please email info@slager.co.uk with your order number, name and the email address used to place the order. No returns will be accepted without prior authorisation. Please read the full Returns and Cancellation Policy.

Still Have a Question?

Contact us about choosing books, the writing course or an existing order.

Contact S. L. Ager