Albury education support provider Chalk and Chat to close doors

Chalk and Chat was founded by former teacher and Howlong Public School assistant principal Judy Redman in 2013 after a change in career following a car accident.

After seven successful years, she can no longer offer her regular service as a result of COVID-19 restrictions and felt the time was right to take a step back.

The business is unique in the fact it provides a tutoring service, alongside the supply of books and educational resources, as well as a cafe.

Mrs Redman revealed the first round of lockdown measures enforced put a stop to the tutoring due to social distancing requirements.

"It basically held it all together, if you take away a leg the stool falls over," she said.

"We were never able to get it up and going again because of personal distancing and sharing the space with retail.

"I think it gave me time to pause and reflect on how hard and fast I'd been running, so for personal reasons too it was one of those opportunities to take stock and realise I need to slow down.

"There's a few grandchildren that will be happy with that."

Chalk and Chat's tutoring service grew from a two-person operation to cater for 50 students and six teachers on a weekly basis.

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"It's been great to do that for the community. There was a great need for qualified teachers to really hone in on some of the learning skill deficits," Mrs Redman said.

"It built up over time. I started tutoring and there was one other teacher, but as it got bigger I got someone in to help at the desk so I could keep tutoring.

"It got too big and I stopped tutoring and was at the desk all the time.

"It's been one of those businesses where it becomes more of a community service than a profit maker.

"We've been able to help a lot with home schooling, it's been good to have resources for them."

Mrs Redman has witnessed significant change in the way teaching is delivered, particularly with the use of electronic devices, but many of her customers still love picking up a book.

"We've been able to order books for people because there's a lot out there who don't have the internet or don't want to enter their details online," she added.

But the biggest thing she'll miss is seeing her regular customers and students.

"I've got a really good customer base I'd like to thank for all their years of support. It's been great to be able to meet a lot of people as well," Mrs Redman said.

She plans to take the time for a much-needed break but is sure to find something new to keep her occupied.