FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT BENEFITS WILL MY CHILD EXPERIENCE WHEN TUTORING WITH YOU?

Parents have often commented that I provide their child with much more than just the confidence to be successful at maths. As well as helping them to overcome their personal hurdles, I tutor the key study skills that are transferable to all subjects:

• being organised and punctual.

• careful and useful note-taking.

• well-structured logical working.

• explaining methods back to me using the key language of the subject.

• the ability to persevere even when the maths seems challenging.

• the art of problem-solving. This is one of the most important skills I can pass on to my students. Sifting through questions for key information and breaking questions into managable chunks that ease the burden on the brain.

You will notice the difference in your child almost immediately. Their increased confidence, self-belief and self-esteem will be evident if they fully engage in their tutoring experience. I take great pride in giving you and your child my full attention and expertise. I am always on call (apart from when I'm sleeping or teaching) to help with any urgent maths questions.

HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE?

WHAT SESSIONS CAN I BOOK?

Please contact me for current availability. Better to book early (May/June onwards) to get a session for the new academic year (or to get started in term 3). After exam season finishes, slots will often become available (May onwards).

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I am available daytimes and evenings Mon to Fri (and also Sunday evening from 6pm onwards). I can also do mornings (7:30-8am) for early birds.

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Note that you don't need to book a specific number of sessions - just carry on if you are happy with your child's progress.

WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR TUTORING SESSIONS?

Online unless there is a specific need to have face to face sessions. Parents and students have found online works beautifully - no more ferrying children to my house and back. So many added benefits of online - students study in the comfort of their own room and there is increased verbal communication (talking and explaining maths is such an important skill). Even my shyest students have blossomed with confidence since moving to online.

WHAT TECHNOLOGY DO I NEED?

• Anything which connects to the internet - phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer. We will use Skype as our audio (no video for child protection) and Bitpaper.io as our shared whiteboard space.

• Pen and paper for taking personalised notes/examples and working things out.

• A calculator for older students.

WHAT ARE YOUR TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS?

I am a fully qualified maths teacher with 20+ years of classroom teaching and tutoring. I have an enhanced DBS certificate which I am happy to send to you if required. I have a degree in Maths from the University of Kent, a Diploma in Maths Education from Exeter University and also a PGCE in Maths from Exeter University.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL A SESSION?

As long as you give me 24 hours of notice I am happy to rearrange the session for another day or time (if possible). If the cancellation is within 24 hours of a session I am afraid I will have to charge (if rearranging is not possible). This ensures students are committed to learning and my experience is that attendance is much better if there is no opt out, which ensures we keep great learning momentum.

DO I NEED TO PAY IN ADVANCE?

Initially, I don't expect advance payment to make sure that parents and their children are happy with my services. After the first month, I will invoice for each subsequent month at the beginning of the month. Parents usually prefer to pay by bank transfer and find that paying a month in advance is convenient for them.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU UPDATE ON MY CHILD'S PROGRESS?

I send an update on progress alongside the monthly invoice, usually on Whatsapp (most parents find this a very convenient way to communicate with me).

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH MY CHILD AND I?

• I communicate with parents on either Whatsapp/Messenger or phone SMS (or other preferred social media)

• I communicate with students via Skype audio for tutoring and use the Chat facility to send them useful links to resources.

• I share a whiteboard space with students on Bitpaper.io - they don't need to sign in, just click on the link I send them (this link lasts for the whole of tutoring with them).

DO YOU SET ANY HOMEWORK?

I only set homework upon request, either from the student or their parents as I have found from experience that children are generally busy enough with school homework in addition to doing the tutoring itself. I do suggest optional tasks to consolidate learning after sessions, particularly with older students. I also have favourite websites that I encourage students to use in their free time, such as Corbettmaths.com. Reviewing and practising previous topics is essential to aiding recall of methods and facts. I usually start sessions with a quick review to aid the student's memory.