Tutor time

When it comes to choosing a tutor for your child, there are a few essential points you must factor in to ensure the confidence, safety and education of your little student.

Time to tutor?

Making the decision to hire a private tutor can be tough on both parent and child, but reaching a point where you can honestly accept that your little one needs extra help is actually very positive.

Not only are you empowering them to take their own needs into their own hands, you are also giving them valuable aid that will, in both the short and long term, improve their overall education and confidence, in whatever subject they currently find frustrating.

Who?

It goes without saying that you’ll be wanting the crème de la crème to educate your child, so take your research very seriously.

First, identify the subjects where your child struggles and needs support. Also, consider whether they learn best through visual, auditory or kinesthetic methods (this is often a factor in why they are struggling to grasp the topic in a mainstream academic environment).

Another vital thing to do is to set clear goals for what you hope to achieve through tutoring. Whether it’s to nail an important test or to improve grades by the end of the year; it’s important everyone involved knows what’s expected.

Safety first

Be sure to interview the prospective tutor in person, both to get the feel for them and to ensure they can explain concepts clearly and effectively.

Discuss the tutor’s teaching approach and methodologies and assess whether their personality and style align with your child’s preferences: a trial session is a good way to check this.

Unfortunately, the safeguarding measures for private tutors aren’t as watertight as they ought to be, which is why an extensive background review is essential, including a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. You can hire tutors through agencies, which will only offer qualified and secure tutors, but regardless, it is still worth being present to some extent for all sessions and if the tutoring is online, ensure the communication platform is secure and private.

Managing expectations

Once you’re happy to proceed with actual learning sessions, it is helpful to manage your expectations – after all, it can take a while for student and teacher to settle in and establish a rhythm. This is why clear goals are important.

Also, it is worth encouraging your child to do the work outside of school and tutor lessons, alongside spending time with them covering the topic in between sessions.

School talk

How to communicate efficiently with your child’s school, particularly if your little one is struggling.

Be proactive

A 2022 study by Parentkind found that 85% of parents want to have an active involvement in their child’s education, yet only 57% of parents feel listened to at school level. This suggests schools have a way to go before parents feel their needs are being met, so attend parent feedback events and fill in surveys if they are offered.

Be prepared

If you find yourself being called in or calling for regular meetings, make sure you are equipped. Before any meeting or conversation, make sure you have all the necessary information, such as your child’s grades, behaviour reports, and any notes from previous communications. When there, stay calm and respectful.

Be curious

Throughout your child’s academic journey, engage in conversations about what they are learning, ask how they feel about classroom dynamics and structures, and don’t hesitate to investigate red flags.

Be clear and concise

When expressing concerns or ideas, be clear and concise. Avoid long-winded explanations and get to the point. After meetings or important conversations, follow up with an email summarising the discussion.

Know your rights

Familiarise yourself with your rights as a parent and your child’s rights as a student. This knowledge can empower you to advocate effectively for them.

Build relationships

Take the time to build positive relationships with teachers, administrators and other school staff. A strong rapport can make communication easier and more effective.