Monday, August 22, 2022 by Miranda Gaywood | Uncategorized

You might be considering reaching out for a tutor for your child, but maybe you're put off because you don't know what to expect? 

Maybe you've tried before with a tutoring company and it didn't work out? Or maybe you're put off by the hard sales tactics you might've experienced? Perhaps you're just a bit nervous about reaching out and sharing with someone that your child could do with some help?

Let me tell you what happens if you contact me. Here are some of my FAQs.

What do you do?

I work with children (usually) 1:1 and (usually) face to face. Lessons mostly take place at my house, in a suitable learning space. I work with children from Reception up to Year 6, although currently I seem to be working a lot with children about Y1 and Y2 catching up phonics (from the Covid hangover). I teach phonics, reading, spelling, writing, English, and Maths - including Early maths. I have 26 years classroom experience across the full primary age range. 

One of my own sons is diagnosed ASD and ADHD, so I have personal experience of SEND as well as my vast classroom experience. I am the only tutor in my business, so all sessions are delivered by me. Ultimately I want your child's sessions to be fun and enjoyable. I am friendly and approachable, and know how to build relationships with my students. This is important as we are asking children to step out of their comfort zone and be vulnerable about things they can't do. Sometimes children have spent years learning to mask their difficulties, so I need them to open up about what is tricky, take risks with their learning and have a go.

What qualifications do you have?

I have a degree BA Combined Studies (English and Environmental Biology) with QTS. (Qualified teacher status)

I also hold the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headteachers). 

I regularly undertake professional development to further my skills.

I also hold a full update DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) 

I am also a fully warranted Cub Scout and Beaver Leader!

What information do you need?

Initially I only need enough information to be able to contact you. I need the age of your child and what you are seeking help with. If, after initial discussions, you want to proceed, you receive a link to my tutoring platform. Here you can record more detailed information and access session notes, keep in touch, book additional slots or view your invoice. My information keeping is GDPR compliant, and is only just the information I need to support your child effectively.

What do I have to pay?

Currently lessons are pay as you go. Lesson fees for new students are £30 for 60 minutes. I don't do a free starter lesson - so our first session is charged. It is possible to pay monthly if you would prefer - up front for a block of 4 sessions, at the start of each month. You can set up a direct debit and then not worry or think about it. Currently I accept payment by DD, BACs and cash at the lesson.

If you want to change your schedule we can do that with a minimum of 48 hours notice. In school holidays I can offer more flexibility (because your children are available in the day)! So we can discuss additional sessions, moving the sessions into the daytime (rather than after school) or pausing them due to you taking annual leave.

What happens in the lessons?

There is no set format or curriculum. All of the sessions I deliver are bespoke - designed for each child and their needs and interests. This is the beauty of tutoring. Content and delivery are completely customisable for each individual child I work with. 

If the student needs phonics support, I will assess their current knowledge, then work with games, activities, written work and software on my iPad for example to fill their gaps, build their reading confidence, fluency and pace. My extensive classroom knowledge gives me a great overview of most of the schemes currently used by schools, and I can support their school learning.

If the student needs maths support I use a range of practical equipment and formats that your child will be familiar with from school to support learning.

For anxious students I aim to develop their resilience, sharing positive habits that will improve their confidence and help them deal with learning challenges.

For exam prep, I use exam questions and techniques to help them become confident in the content needed and the way to apply their learning.

Most lessons are taught from my own house. The cats and dog sometimes wander about, but otherwise the space is quiet and conducive to learning. Children are left with me for the session (I do hold a current update DBS certificate, and I complete the KCSIE training every 2 years). Parents may sit in on the first session or two, so they are sure their child is settled, but I find having a parent around can be a distraction.

On occasion, I will tutor from your home rather than mine, but this does sometimes mean I don't have all my resources to hand! (Please note I won't travel further than my very local area, as this impacts on schedules in the limited after school but before bedtime window!)

What about SEND children?

One of my own sons is diagnosed with ASD and ADHD and I spent years trying to advocate for him within the mainstream system. I know how tricky it can be. I have extensive knowledge from 26 years of working with a range of SEND and can tailor my tutoring sessions to meet the needs of most learners. We can adjust timings of sessions, content of sessions, as well as customise activities to suit your learner. Ultimately, I want the sessions to be fun and enjoyable for your child, and accessible regardless of their need or ability.

What support will my child get?

Every child is given a poly pocket booklet to store work in. This is shared at the first session and lives with you so that you can see what work we have covered and, if desired, finish or replicate it for homework. This booklet should then come with the student each session. 

I will also provide a very brief summary of learning as well as any important information on the parent record section of the tutoring platform I use (TutorBird). These notes are accessible to you when you login. You can also add anything you would like me to know - or if a particular focus has come up that you want me to work on. 

I can set a 'homework' task if you request it, to keep your child ticking over. Sometimes for phonics where little and often is helpful, I might leave you with a game to play so that you can keep the learning going between sessions.

I am home schooling can you help?

Yes! I work with individuals, families or small groups during the school day. I can visit you if you are very local, I can also offer online support. Please get in touch and we can discuss your requirements!

Thursday, December 1, 2022 by Miranda Gaywood | Uncategorized

I recently attended some brilliant training designed to support phonics and reading / spelling. It's called the alphabet arc. We use it to support learners to segment and blend words for reading and spelling. It helps with children mastering the phonetic code, and for older, maybe dyslexic, children who find the visual support beneficial. Here's my finished arc in use!

Friday, October 28, 2022 by Miranda Gaywood | Uncategorized