Question 1

What ages do you tutor?

Accepted Answer

Key Stage 1, which means Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, roughly ages 4 to 7. That is where my classroom experience is, and it is where one to one help makes the biggest difference. I am happy to recommend someone else if your child is older.

Question 2

How many sessions will my child need?

Accepted Answer

Most families start weekly and review after six sessions. Some children need a short burst of six to eight weeks before the phonics check, others stay for a school year. I will tell you honestly when I think we are done.

Question 3

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

We keep it light. I get to know your child, play a few games that quietly tell me what they can do, and start on something they will succeed at. You get a short note afterwards with what I noticed and what I plan next.

Question 4

What do we need for an online session?

Accepted Answer

A tablet or laptop, a stable internet connection and a quiet spot. Headphones help in a busy house. A stylus is a bonus, not a requirement.

Question 5

Do you record sessions?

Accepted Answer

Only with your written consent, and by default I record the whiteboard and my voice rather than video of your child. A four minute clip of how we tackled column addition is far more useful for revision. Clips are shared only with your family, through a link I can revoke, and deleted after 12 months or when tutoring ends.

Question 6

Will a five year old really concentrate on a screen?

Accepted Answer

With the right pacing, yes. Sessions are 30 to 45 minutes, activities change every few minutes, and the shared whiteboard keeps their hands busy. If it genuinely is not working for your child, I will say so and we will switch to face to face.

Question 7

Which areas do you travel to?

Accepted Answer

Portsmouth, Southsea, Cosham, Drayton, Farlington, Havant, Waterlooville, Gosport, Fareham and Portchester. Travel is included within [X] miles, with a small charge beyond that. Anywhere further, online is the sensible option.

Question 8

Can I stay during the session?

Accepted Answer

Yes, always, whether we are at my home or yours. For home visits a parent or carer needs to be in the property throughout.

Question 9

Do you set homework?

Accepted Answer

Something small, usually five or ten minutes a few times a week. Little and often beats a long session at the weekend, and I will never send home something that causes an argument.

Question 10

How will I know if it is working?

Accepted Answer

You get a short note after every session on what we covered and what to practise. Every half term I write a slightly longer summary of progress against the objectives we are working on.

Question 11

Do you work with children with additional needs?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. I have taught children with dyslexia, speech and language needs, ADHD and autism in mainstream KS1 classrooms. Tell me what helps your child at school and we will build on that. If your child needs specialist provision I will say so rather than take your money.

Question 12

Can I see your DBS certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I hold an Enhanced DBS and keep it on the Update Service, so you can check it is current yourself. I will bring the certificate to the first session.

Question 13

What information do you keep about my child?

Accepted Answer

As little as possible: your name, email and phone, your child's first name and year group, and my session notes. Nothing else, no date of birth, no address beyond what I need to visit. It is deleted 12 months after tutoring ends.

Questions parents ask

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