Tutoring
What is tutoring like with me?
I stopped teaching in mainstream education in 2021 in order to work more closely with children who struggle inside the system. I mainly work with young people who have SEN requirements (whether formally diagnosed or not) including ASD, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia and those who are homeschooled, unschooled or finding the school environment challenging.
For me, tutoring is not just about academic achievement and attainment. It is a way of working holistically to support developmental, emotional, intellectual and creative growth. Many of the students I work with aren’t ready for formal learning yet and need time to feel safe, calm and regulated before they can approach learning again. To begin with, the sessions may not look like traditional ‘tutoring’ - and that’s completely fine. Over time, when and if it’s correct for your child, sessions can change and adapt to incorporate a more academic focus.
I have worked in a variety of educational settings since 2002. I attained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in 2013 and an MEd in 2021. I’ve taught children across both the state and private education sectors and have held leadership roles within the staff. My tutoring sessions can be held 1:1 or in small groups by arrangement.
I have a passion for ensuring that mental and emotional well-being falls at the heart of people's ability to learn; I firmly believe that our development and sense of self grows from that foundation. I work with warmth and compassion to help create a supportive and nurturing environment. A story-teller at heart, I am articulate, creative and playful and encourage these skills in those I work with.
All my students are encouraged to have a go first and ‘correct’ second - we’re all still learning!
What do I specialise in?
I have had many years of training and experience in working with children, teens and parents with neurodivergent needs (which don’t need to be formalised or diagnosed!) and my specialism is in supporting people to regulate and rediscover a love of learning.
For me, tutoring is not just about academic achievement and attainment. It is a way of working holistically to support developmental, emotional, intellectual and creative growth. Many of the students I work with aren’t ready for formal learning yet and need time to feel safe, calm and regulated before they can approach learning again. To begin with, the sessions may not look like traditional ‘tutoring’ - and that’s completely fine. Over time, when and if it’s correct for your child, sessions can change and adapt to incorporate a more academic focus.
I believe that we are all inherent learners with an in-built curiosity and desire to explore the world around us. My aim is to provide people with a warm, supportive space in which they can find their way back to a love of learning and discovery.
How do sessions work?
The first thing we will do is have a phone call to discuss your child’s needs and what you are looking for in a tutor. If we are a good match, we will then arrange a time for me to come and meet you and your child/ren in person to see how we all get on. Sessions are usually held at your home but there are other options available and this can be discussed between us.
If we agree to go ahead, we will decide on timings and duration of the sessions together to ensure that it works well for your family as a whole but usually sessions last 1-2hrs. Sessions times will vary depending on the age and stage of your child which, again, we can discuss together.
It’s really important to me that we maintain an open, communicative and relaxed dialogue throughout our relationship.
PRICES AND PACKAGES
FROM £80
Although I am self-employed and the majority of families I work with, find me either via word-of-mouth or through my website, I also work through an incredible organisation who you can find a link to below. SENsational Tutors is addressing issues with education in truly inspiring ways and I am proud to be part of this female-led company. Joanna from SENsational Tutors builds community, creates support networks and develops learning spaces that actually work. Please do take a moment to explore their website and find out more about what they offer.