Do you hold a recognised teaching qualification? 

Yes, I do. In 2012 I gained a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS (2:1). I also hold a BTEC higher national diploma in childcare, an NAMCW nursery management diploma and I have recently gained a TEFL Level 5 diploma. If you would like to see any of my certificates, please ask as I am happy to show them off!

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Are you DBS checked?

Yes, I am. You are welcome to view my certificate whenever you would like, and I am also registered on the update service.

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Is my child safe with you?

Absolutely. I complete annual safeguarding and child protection training via the NSPCC. I also complete annual PREVENT training.

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Are my child's details and information secure?

Yes, I have registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). I have a GDPR policy, and all your child's details are stored on password protected devices.

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Where do your sessions take place?

In-person sessions take place at my office in Stone, Dartford. You are very welcome to come in and see my office at the start of their sessions. Online sessions take place via Zoom, using Bitpaper, and you will be sent a link to join a secure meeting.

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How much do your sessions cost and what is included in the cost?

Each one-to-one session costs £30. This includes a tailor-made lesson, which I have planned according to their needs and targets. I prepare and provide all resources. The sessions will include a combination of direct teaching and independent learning. The sessions can include one area of learning, such as English/Maths, or they can incorporate different areas - this is based on the child's individual needs. Homework can also be supplied, if required. This will be a short task or activity, no more than 30 minutes, designed to consolidate their learning. I also provide feedback after each session, and this is given verbally or via a short email/message. If you require comprehensive feedback, I am happy to provide this, but it will be at a small additional cost.

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Are online sessions effective and are there any benefits?

Yes, there is a growing demand for online sessions, fuelled in part by Covid, which has led to significant improvements and expansion of teaching/learning technology. They work especially well for children who are perhaps shy, nervous, or lacking in confidence, as they are able to learn in a familiar, relaxing environment. Additional benefits may also include, being more convenient, there's no 'ferrying' children about, there's minimal disruption to busy evenings and often children are more engaged with the online world. All my sessions are held on Zoom and each child is assigned their own secure, permanent Bitpaper (exercise book). I ensure that each session still contains the same high-quality teaching and children are active participants in the session. I share my screen with the child, and they take control of their learning and complete activities, just as they would in-person. 

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What ages and subjects do you teach?

I am qualified and experienced to teach children aged 5-11 years. I teach all aspects of English and Maths - this can include, for example, phonics, reading, spelling, writing, punctuation, grammar, mental and written mathematical methods, fractions, time, money, shape, problem solving and reasoning. Additionally, I can teach other areas of the national curriculum, if required. I have extensive working knowledge of the National Curriculum and its programmes of studies and attainment targets. I have an in-depth understanding of national statutory assessments, including their requirements and how best to prepare children for taking them.

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Will my child make progress?

Yes! I tutor children with a variety of needs. This can include providing challenging learning to those who are more academically able. It can also include working with children who need to build their confidence in certain areas. I also tutor children wanting to gain higher statutory test results or pass their 11+. I tailor all their sessions so that each child makes progress regardless of their starting point.

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Do you provide sessions for children who have special educational needs (SEND)?

Absolutely. During my teaching career I have been fortunate to work with a diverse spectrum of children. I have worked as an intervention teacher, teaching small groups of children with SEND. These included children with dyslexia, autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, speech and language difficulties and social, emotional and mental health difficulties. Whilst I was a classroom based teacher I employed a wide range of strategies, resources and approaches to ensure that all children were included in the learning and able to make progress.

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Will my child enjoy your sessions?

I hope so! I pride myself on getting to know your child and understanding what their interests are, what type of learner they are, what they enjoy and what they find tricky. Each session that your child receives is highly individualised to their needs and to them as a whole child. I firmly believe that children learn best when their learning is active, fun and engaging, so I incorporate lots of different types of activities. I build a relationship and create an environment with your child where they feel safe to explore and develop their learning. I encourage children to take risks and to understand that it's acceptable to make mistakes - often they achieve their best learning from their mistakes. 

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What can I do to support their learning?

Nobody knows your child as well as you do, therefore it is vital that you actively support and encourage their learning with me. It is essential that we work as a team and that you provide me with as much information about your child as possible, as this enables me to ensure that all of their sessions are tailor made to their specific needs. I always encourage parents to share school reports/SEND meetings/parent evening feedback with me as I can often use this to enhance their learning. I am happy to plan their learning around school topics and particular areas of interest, as these all help to motivate the child. Please share with me any achievements that your child makes, both inside and outside of school, as this can really help to build their confidence.  

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Do I need to provide anything?

I provide all the teaching and learning resources. However, if their session is online, they will need a pencil and paper and somewhere quiet to work.

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Do I need to be present during their session?

This is entirely up to you. You are very welcome to sit in my office during your child's in-person session. However, children often work much better when they are on their own and there are no distractions for them. If your child is receiving online tuition, it is always a good idea to be nearby in case of any technical difficulties. I cannot stress enough how important a quiet workspace, away from household disruptions, is. 

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Is timekeeping important?

Yes. I understand that sometimes being late is difficult to avoid. However, I often have sessions before and after yours, so unfortunately, I am unable to make up this lost time. I am always happy to discuss any queries or concerns you may have about your child, but I do ask that this happens at the start of a session so that it doesn't impact the next child's session. 

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Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, if I don’t have any current availability, you are welcome to join my waiting list. Once you have registered your interest, I will contact you as and when I have availability. This is offered on a strictly first come basis and I work my way down the list. You have 48 hours to decide if you would like the available slot. If the slot doesn’t suit you, you won’t lose a place on the waiting list. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that a suitable space will become available. I am always happy to let you know your position on the waiting list.

 

Do you offer holiday/ad-hoc sessions?

Yes. These are offered in addition to your regular, weekly session. These can be booked either as occasional sessions or as an intensive course. These are often a great way to consolidate learning or to focus on one aspect such as creative writing, spelling or problem solving. If this is something that you think would be of benefit to your child, please speak to me. Alternatively, you can find upcoming details on here, my Facebook page and my Instagram account. I will inform all parents/guardians of upcoming holiday sessions. 

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What is TEFL? 

I hold a Level 5 diploma in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) with business English. I offer one-to-one sessions, either in-person or online. I am qualified to teach all ages, from young children to older adults, and all abilities, from absolute beginner to advanced student. I can teach students to speak, read, write and listen in English. I can support students to integrate into school, apply for jobs, enhance employment opportunities, apply to university, access education, with everyday living and socialising. I ensure that the sessions are fun, active, engaging and contain real life context. All sessions are bespoke to the student's individual needs and I offer a variety of packages, which can include Ad Hoc sessions, weekly sessions and intensive courses. Please do contact me to discuss your requirements.

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If you have any additional enquires or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.