FAQs

Which subjects and age groups do you cover?

I tutor English from Yr3 through to Yr13. For GCSE and A Level, this covers both English Language and English Literature.

I am also a trained Media Studies teacher and happy to provide GCSE and A Level tuition in this area.

I also welcome adult learners, including university students, those returning to further education and those learning English as an additional language (I hold a TEFL certificate).

Are you DBS checked?

I hold a full enhanced DBS certificate which is available to view on request. Please click here to view my safeguarding policy.

Where do lessons take place?

Lessons are available online, at my house in Joydens Wood (DA5 2JA) or at the student’s house subject to distance and availability.

How far will you travel?

I am prepared to travel to houses in Dartford, Bexley, Bexleyheath, Sidcup, Orpington, Swanley and Gravesend.

What space do you require in my house in order to be able to tutor?

It is important that both student and tutor are able to focus during the lesson. I understand there are always other family members present but at a minimum there should be access to a table and there should not be a television on in the same room. I love animals but if they are a bit too keen to be involved in the lesson, it may be best to put them in another room. Please note that a child’s bedroom is not an appropriate space for tuition due to safeguarding.

When are you available for tutoring?

Lessons will normally take place after school and my availability does vary depending on the week day. For the most up-to-date information about my availability, please email me or book an introduction call.

Do you tutor on weekends?

Unfortunately due to other commitments I am not currently offering tuition at the weekend.

Does it matter which exam board my child is studying?

No, I am experienced in preparing students for examinations in the major examination boards including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, Eduqas and CCEA.

How much do lessons cost?

Lessons online and at my house are £45 an hour. Lessons at the student’s house are £50.

Why are lessons at the student’s house more expensive?

As well as petrol costs, the travel time means that I am able to fit fewer students into a session, which has an impact on potential earnings. This is why I do need to charge more for this service.

What do my lesson fees include?

The fee includes all lesson preparation and materials - there is no obligation to purchase any set texts. Online students will be given access to their own Google Classroom to share resources. Face to face students will be provided with an exercise book and plastic folder to store their learning materials.

How will I know how my child is doing in lessons?

Written reports will be provided once a term. I am also very happy to discuss issues or give additional feedback but do normally ask parents to book in a time with me in advance to ensure I am available and can give my full attention to the discussion.

How are lesson fees paid?

Lesson fees are paid monthly in advance (any school holidays will be deducted from the invoice). Payment is required via bank transfer.

Do you offer any discounts?

Unfortunately it is not possible to offer any discounts on lesson fees. My lesson availability is strictly limited and I am not able to run the lessons at reduced fees.

Do you offer group lessons?

I do not offer any groups on a regular basis but do occasionally run holiday revision sessions, which will be advertised via email to parents.

Can I have fortnightly lessons?

In my experience, students make the most progress with weekly lessons. Fortnightly lessons can result in the learning feeling very disjointed and can make it hard to build up a rapport with the student. For this reason, I do not offer fortnightly tuition.

How do I cancel lessons if I need to?

Lesson cancellations must be made no later than 48 hours in advance. If a cancellation is received with less than 48 hours’ notice, the full lesson fee will be charged. If possible, the lesson may be rescheduled. However, owing to limited availability, there is no guarantee of this.

What would a typical lesson with you look like?

Every lesson is tailored to the individual needs of the student so there is no one set lesson plan. However, lessons may include: work on spelling technique, grammar, reading comprehension and analysis practice, creative writing tasks and transactional writing. With younger students, I often plan lessons around a set reading text, as this can increase engagement and improves the continuity of the learning. For students preparing for GCSE or A Level, sessions will often be based around planning and drafting practice examination questions, in line with the student’s specific areas for development.

My child has SEND, will you be able to support them?

Each student has different needs so there is not one answer to this question as it does of course depend on the severity of the needs. However, I have worked very successfully with many students who do have additional learning needs, including dyslexia, autism and ADHD. I am experienced in a range of teaching strategies that can support learners with SEND and will do what I can to tailor my teaching style to their requirements.

Do you set homework?

This is decided based on the needs/wishes of both the student and the parent. Some students/parents wish to have additional work in order to consolidate learning whilst others prefer to focus on work set by the school. Where homework is set, feedback will be given in the following lesson.

Can I have a trial lesson to see how my child gets on?

New students are recommended to have a paid trial lesson first. This is to ensure that both the tutor and the student are happy before committing to monthly payments.

Does my child have to have lessons in the school holidays?

No, tuition will not take place during school holidays unless by prior arrangement. This allows both students and the tutor a well earned rest! Term dates will be communicated in advance at the beginning of the year. Whilst these do normally align with all school holiday dates, there may be some small discrepancies so parents are advised to check these carefully to avoid any confusion.

Have a question that has not been answered above or would like to know more? Book a free 15 minute introduction call with me!