What we actually do

Curriculum

How a session works, then everything I teach. All of it aligned to the Key Stage 1 national curriculum and to the phonics scheme your child's school follows.

MathsEarly ReadingPhonicsHandwritingWriting

How a session works

Three ways to have a session. You can mix them, and you can change your mind after a few weeks if something else would suit better.

How does an online session work?

Online sessions take place using a secure video call, allowing your child to learn from home in a comfortable and familiar environment.

Before the session, I will send you the joining details and any resources your child may need. Your child will need a suitable device, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet space where they can work without distractions.

During the session, we may use screen sharing, interactive activities, digital whiteboards and online resources to make learning engaging and effective. Sessions are tailored to your child's needs, interests and learning goals, with regular opportunities for discussion, questions and feedback.

At the end of each session, I will briefly review what we have covered and explain any suggested activities or next steps.

Illustration of a completed maths task, 7 + 3 = 10, on the shared whiteboard

Getting started

Four steps, no paperwork, nothing to sign.

Get in touch
Please fill out the online enquiry form or message me via social media.
A free 15 minute chat
We will begin with a free 15 minute chat to discuss your child's needs, interests and learning goals. This is an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for us to decide whether my tutoring support would be a good fit for your child.
First session
The first session will focus on getting to know your child. Through short activities and games, I will identify the areas we will work on and begin to understand how your child learns best. I will then use this information to plan engaging, personalised sessions.
A regular slot
We will agree on a regular weekly slot that works best for you and your child. This arrangement will be reviewed after roughly six weeks, when I will provide detailed feedback on your child's progress and discuss any recommended next steps.

What I teach

Five subjects, all KS1 aligned. We start with a quick, gentle look at where your child is, then build from there.

Maths

Most KS1 maths worries stem from shaky number sense. We break down key concepts and use practical resources to ensure your child understands and embeds these concepts before moving on to written methods.

A typical session

We will start with a ten minute warm-up game focusing on previous learning, then move on to a practical activity using a range of resources to support your child's understanding. Finally, we will apply any new learning from the session to a slightly more independent task, with one-to-one support, so your child feels a sense of success and achievement.

What we work on

Counting, place value and number bonds to 10 and 20
Addition and subtraction, including the missing number puzzles that catch children out
Times tables groundwork: counting in 2s, 5s and 10s
Shape, measure and telling the time
Word problems, and how to work out what is actually being asked

Early Reading

Reading in KS1 is two jobs at once: decoding the words, and understanding them. We build both, with books that are pitched to the phonics phase your child is currently working on.

A typical session

We will discuss key features of the book, such as the title and pictures, which will support your child's understanding. We will then review any recurring sounds they are likely to see in the text, to support independent decoding. I will support your child with decoding any tricky words and help them break words down into manageable segments. Throughout the reading session, we will chat about the book so I can assess their understanding of the text in a fun and informal way.

What we work on

Blending and decoding unfamiliar words
Common exception words on sight
Reading with expression rather than word by word
Retelling and answering questions about what they read
Building the habit of choosing to read

Phonics

I have an extensive understanding of a range of phonics programmes, including Little Wandle and Letters and Sounds, so I can work alongside whatever programme your child is currently using at school. I will ask which scheme the school uses before the first session.

A typical session

Sound review with flashcards, a new sound taught, reading and writing words with it, then a short game to make it stick.

What we work on

Phases 2 to 5 sounds, in order, with gaps filled
Digraphs, trigraphs and alternative spellings
Segmenting for spelling as well as blending for reading
Preparation for the Year 1 phonics screening check
Nonsense word practice, because the check uses them

Handwriting

Inconsistent writing is usually a grip and formation problem, not carelessness. Fixing it early saves years of frustration and makes every other subject easier. I am trained in a range of handwriting schemes, including Kinetic Letters, which many schools are now using.

A typical session

A short physical warm up for the hands, focused practice on one letter family, then applying it to real writing so it transfers.

What we work on

Correct letter formation and starting points
Pencil grip, paper position and posture
Consistent size and sitting letters on the line
Joining letters when they are ready
Writing for longer without aching hands

Writing

Plenty of KS1 children have brilliant ideas and freeze when asked to write them down. We work on the gap between the two.

A typical session

Each session will be tailored to your child's needs, interests and learning goals. We will usually begin with a short warm-up activity to build confidence and revisit previous learning.

We will then focus on a specific writing skill, such as developing ideas, organising writing, choosing effective vocabulary, improving sentence structure, using punctuation or checking work. I will model the skill clearly before guiding your child through practical activities and writing tasks.

There will be plenty of opportunities for your child to share ideas, ask questions and practise independently, with support and encouragement throughout. We may use games, discussion, pictures, planning activities and creative prompts to keep sessions engaging.

What we work on

Full sentences with capital letters and full stops
Spelling patterns and the tricky common words
Adjectives and conjunctions to stretch a sentence
Planning a short story or recount before writing it
Rereading and improving their own work

Every session is personalised

No two children need the same thing, so no two sessions look the same. I plan around your child, their school’s methods and whatever is worrying them most this week.

Not sure where to start?

Ready to start?

Tell me a little about your child and I will come back to you within one working day. The first chat is free and there is no obligation.

Send an enquiry Email me