A private tutor selection is a very important decision that parents make to enhance their child’s academic journey. But as there are lots of platforms across the UK, how can you find the right one for your child??
The right tutor not only improves grades in exams but also develops lifelong learning skills and boosts confidence. If your child is a primary school student, preparing for GCSEs, or struggling with 11+ grammar school, this blog will guide you in choosing the right tutor and what things you should consider.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Tutor
- Define Your Needs
Determining a child’s individual learning needs is crucial to selecting the most suitable private tutor. Is it Maths that is causing them problems? Do they require assistance with reading and comprehension in English? Or do they need specific attention on multiple subjects?
UK education curriculum is divided into key phases, which are: Key Stage 1 & 2, Key Stage 3, GCSE, and the 11+ grammar school entrance examination. Thus, knowing your child’s stage and understanding their learning differences helps you in hiring a private tutor in person or online, familiar with the proper curriculum and demands.
Specific educational goals give direction and goal orientation to a child’s learning process. They could be to develop some skills, improve at exams, or achieve in specific subjects.
If you are looking for a reliable private tutor in the UK, Head Start Learning is the best fit for you. We offer UK-based tuition with an expert tutor aligned with the National Curriculum. We provide tuition for major stages such as :
Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 Tuition: KS1 tuition is for ages 5 to 7 years. We help children develop strong skills in numeracy and early literacy.
KS2 tuition is designed for ages 7 to 11 years. This tuition covers core subjects ( Math, English, Reasoning) and SAT preparation to prepare for secondary school.
Key Stage 3 Tuition: Our KS3 tuition is for children of 11 to 14 years, and this program helps to bridge the gap before the GCSE Exam.
GCSE Tuition: At Head Start Learning, our GCSE tuition is delivered by UK tutors who have experience and specialism in key subjects like Maths, English, and Sciences. Our tutors are fully familiar with the principal exam boards like Edexcel exams, AQA exams, and OCR exams.
11+ Grammar School Entrance Exam: This program focuses on selective school entrance exam preparation in Math, English, Verbal, and Non-Verbal reasoning.
Key Qualities to Look for in a Private Tutor
- Look for Relevant Qualifications
Every tutor holds different backgrounds, so it’s necessary to look for relevant qualifications. Some tutors are QTS(Qualified Teacher Status) certified and some tutors are subject specialists in particular subjects like Maths, English, or Science. So, you should choose a tutor who has a deep understanding and children-friendly teaching methods. If your child is a GCSE examinee or other formal assessment, then your tutor should be familiar with UK curriculum and board exams like AQA, Edexcel and OCR.
- Assess Experience and Specialisation
Consider the tutor’s experience both in years and in the various situations they’ve handled. A specific experience can indicate a tutor’s capacity to handle your child’s needs. Knowing if a tutor has practical teaching experience with specific age groups (SEN) or 11+ & GCSEs, builds confidence in your choice.
- Read Reviews and Get References
Take recommendations and references from trusted ones who have experience, and also check online reviews of parents. Every tutoring website has a user feedback section, where parents share their experiences. Filtered reviews are helpful to focus on factors that is important, such as teaching style or reliability.
- Safety First: DBS Checks
When inviting the tutor to work closely with your child, safety should be a foremost consideration. In the UK, your reputable tutor should have a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which will have been confirmed to show that they have no criminal record that would render them ineligible to work with children. All our tutors at Head Start Learning are DBS-checked and completely vetted, so you can be sure your child is in safe, trusty hands.
- Understand the Logistics
Schedule your child’s tutoring sessions in opposition to their existing engagements, like school and other activities. The agreement with the tutor should specify how often the sessions would take place and their duration.
- Cost and Budgeting
Tutoring rates varies, that is why discuss with potential tutors what rates they will charge and whether there are any cancellation rates or extra fees. Factor in costs like materials or travel, which could also factor into the final cost.
Online vs In-Person Tutoring
Choose the right tutor in online or in person, which depends on the age of your child, learning style, and schedule.
In-person tutoring: This type of tutor offers face-to-face tutoring, which helps children to deeply understand lessons through communication and interaction. This tutoring is beneficial for a younger child who needs motivation.
Online tutoring: Online tutoring is more beneficial as it provides more flexibility, also children get to learn from more experts while staying at home. Choose the system that suits you best. Besides, online tutoring is flexible and cost-effective because none of you need to step outside, which saves both money and time.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Though there are lots of good tutors available, there are a few warning signals that could indicate the wrong fit or a lack of professionalism.
- No obvious qualifications or testimonials
- Poor communication or untrustworthy scheduling
- Overpromising grades and results
Conclusion
Hiring a good, qualified private tutor benefits your child through academic growth. You must collaborate with your child’s tutor to ensure your child’s academic growth. At Head Start Learning, we are committed to offer the best lessons through our expert tutors. With our personalized lessons and certified tutors, we help your child to gain a strong foundation and succeed academically. If you’re ready to choose the right private tutor, we are here to help you. Browse Our UK-based tutoring programs for Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, GCSE & 11+ grammar entrance exams.