Information

Be prepared to give the tutor as much information as possible before tutoring starts. Whilst experienced tutors are skilled at assessing a student’s level and adapting quickly to suit them, the process will be much smoother if they have as much information as possible in advance. If you can, try to give the tutor the exam board, samples of recent work, recent reports and any important information about your child. Feedback from teachers on which curriculum areas your child is finding particularly hard, or skills they are struggling with, will give the tutor a great place to start.

Get the private tutoring relationship right

The tutoring relationship is one of trust and respect, so it is important to get the right person for your child. Tutor and student will be working closely together and one-to-one tutoring is totally unlike a class environment. There is no one else to ask, no one else to discuss with, and nowhere for your child to (metaphorically) hide. If they don’t know the answer or are struggling, there is no other student to put up their hand and jump in, and no other student to deflect the teacher’s attention. Of course, this is a major reason why private tutoring is so very effective, but the right balance of trust and respect between tutor and student is crucial.

Try to get the relationship right. This is one area where you might consider using a tutoring agency, as they will have a choice of tutors for your child. If you feel you do not have the right fit first time, they will be able to offer alternatives without too much work from you. You won’t need to start again from scratch.

If you or your child are unsure, ask for a trial lesson before you commit. Most tutors will be happy to do this, although bear in mind you may still be charged for the lesson. Remember also to check with your child. How do they feel the tutorials are going? Do they think they can work with the tutor? Most children will be open and honest if you ask them.