Maths
Most KS1 maths worries come down to shaky number sense. We slow down, use cubes and number lines, and rebuild it properly before moving on to written methods.
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
A typical session
A quick warm up game, ten minutes on the tricky thing, a practical activity with cubes or coins, then something they can already do well so they finish feeling capable.
Early Reading
Reading in KS1 is two jobs at once: working out the words, and understanding them. We build both, with books pitched so your child succeeds around nine times in ten.
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
A typical session
We read together, I note the words that trip them up, we practise those, then reread the same page so they hear their own improvement.
Phonics
I teach phonics the way schools do, in phases, so nothing I say contradicts their teacher. I will ask which scheme the school uses before the first session.
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
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.
Handwriting
Untidy writing is usually a grip and formation problem, not carelessness. Fixing it early saves years of frustration and makes every other subject easier.
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
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.
Literacy
Plenty of KS1 children have brilliant ideas and freeze when asked to write them down. We work on the gap between the two.
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
A typical session
Talk the idea through first, plan it in pictures or boxes, write a little, then read it back aloud together and improve one thing.
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.
How a session works
Three ways to learn
Three ways to have a session. You can mix them, and change your mind after a few weeks if something else would suit better.
Online
Online works better for KS1 than most parents expect. We use a shared whiteboard we can both draw on, so it feels like sitting side by side rather than watching a video call.
- All you need is a tablet or laptop, a quiet spot and headphones if the house is busy
- A tablet with a stylus is ideal, but a finger and a trackpad work fine
- You are welcome to sit in, and you can hear everything from the next room
- Sessions can be recorded as short whiteboard clips for revision, only with your written consent, and never video of your child
- No travel, so this is usually the easiest slot to find at short notice
Getting started
Get in touch
Fill in the form, call, or message the Facebook page. Whatever is easiest.
A free 15 minute chat
We talk about how your child is getting on and what would help most.
First session
Gentle, game based, and you get a note afterwards on what I noticed.
A regular slot
Weekly usually works best. We review after six sessions.
Pricing
Simple and clear
No joining fee and no contract. Pay for the sessions you have, one at a time or in a block if you prefer to lock in a regular slot.
Single session
[45] minutes, online or face to face
Pay after each session by bank transfer. No commitment to book again.
Block of six
Six [45] minute sessions
Works out at [PER SESSION] a session and holds your weekly slot. Valid for [X] weeks.
Free intro chat
15 minutes, by phone or video
A proper conversation about your child before you decide anything. No sales pitch.
Travel
Included within [X] miles of Portsmouth. Beyond that there is a [TRAVEL FEE] contribution per session. Online sessions have no travel charge at all.
Cancellations
24 hours notice and there is nothing to pay. Inside 24 hours the session is charged, because the slot cannot be filled. If your child is unwell, just tell me and we will rearrange.
How to pay
Bank transfer, after each session or in advance for a block. I send a simple invoice. No card fees, no subscriptions, no automatic renewals.
Let's help your child shine!
Ready to start?
Send me a message with a little about your child. I reply by email within one working day, and the first 15 minute chat is free.