Families Education
TUTORING – getting value for money In at least one part of the country - London, not surprisingly - hiring a tutor is considered pretty normal. But if children are learning well already, tutors aren’t always necessary and the best tutors will tell you exactly that. Tuition comes into its own when you want to plug specific gaps. For example, where a child has missed a lot of school, is preparing for a vital exam or needs a ‘top up’ when a topic didn’t quite stick first time round. Beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder when it comes to value for money in tutoring. You might want a tutor who comes with all the bells and whistles – along with rates which reflect demand and their qualifications. But, if not, there are ways to limit the cost of tutoring. You may be asked to pay for screening tests, revision sessions or holiday courses. If you don’t think your child needs them, then say so. Also ask about a reduced rate if you pay for a bunch of lessons upfront.
ONLINE TUITION
Online tutoring sessions are hugely popular with children, especially teenagers. With great apps and services, even an inexperienced online
by Kate Hilpern
tutor can now provide slick tuition. During the pandemic lockdowns, many tutors and tutor agencies moved online and you can still find sessions in pretty much any subject and at any level delivered remotely in this way. Online tuition sessions tend to cost less than face-to-face lessons because there is no travel involved and tutors can work back-to-back sessions. However, if your child already spends all day on screens or has problems concentrating, then inperson tuition may still be the better option.
TUITION CENTRES
These are now quite an established feature on high streets in town centres. If having your own private tutor feels a step too far, you could consider a tuition centre. Significantly cheaper than a visiting tutor or even online tuition, children learn in small groups, working through levels individually and under supervision, either with a worksheet or on a computer. The economies of scale makes the tuition more affordable for parents, albeit sessions lack the one-to-one, personalised attention which comes with the more traditional forms of tuition.
FINDING A TUTOR WORD OF MOUTH Asking around is the most effective and popular way to source good tutors. Parents whose children have just done the relevant exam, if that’s what you’re preparing for, are often the best source. YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL Try talking to your child’s teachers. Many teachers may themselves be happy to help a little outside school or know of other people who tutor.
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TUTOR AGENCIES Employing a tutor from an agency has advantages and disadvantages. While you are not getting a tutor recommended to you by someone you know, you can pick the one who seems most compatible. If it doesn’t work out, you can switch. WEBSITE AGENCIES Website agencies have their place. Parents can interview or chat with as many potential tutors as they like before agreeing to start tutoring. Be aware, however, that there is likely to be little support if things go wrong. Such companies have not undertaken, for example, the police checks that all the reputable, more complex, agencies now carry out routinely. Kate Hilpern is from The Good Schools Guide, the leading impartial source of information on schools in the UK, helping parents with every aspect of choosing the best education for their children. For more information, visit www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk Families Oxfordshire 11
