Key Questions to Ask a Potential Tutor

By Gemma Louise Bull

Before starting any sessions, I suggest talking to a tutor in some way either via a phone or video call. A tutor should be happy to do this to reassure you about who they are and how they can meet your requirements.

For any new tutor, there are certain things I would recommend asking:

1. DBS Check:

In my opinion, all tutors should hold an enhanced DBS. A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) identifies any criminal convictions and is the best way to check whether a tutor is a suitable person to work with children.

Companies should have a clear policy on DBS checks for contracted staff and independent tutors should ensure they have the suitable checks completed. The DBS should be no more than 12 months old and ideally be on the update service.

To find out more information about DBS checks, you can visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service/about

2. Safeguarding:

Again, in my opinion, all tutors should have at least a Level 2 Safeguarding training. Safeguarding training includes essential knowledge and legal information, providing protection for the student, family and the tutor.

You can find out more information about safeguarding on the NSPCC website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection

3. Data Protection and GDPR:

Ask your potential tutor where they will store your data, who will have access to the data and whether they have a GDPR policy. You should be comfortable with how the tutor will use your data and a good tutor will have transparent approach to privacy.

4. Recording:

Always check whether the sessions will be recorded. A tutor should never record a session without your express permission. If the sessions are going to be recorded, check where the recording be stored and if the recording will be shared with anyone else. Make sure you are completely comfortable with the tutor’s choices.

5. Qualifications:

Does the tutor have a degree, or equivalent, in the subject they are teaching? For the 11+ - and any other exams – a tutor should have extensive knowledge of the subject content.

If the tutor doesn’t have a degree in the subject, do they have evidence of successful tuition in the subject? A tutor should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and anonymously share their previous results.

It is not a requirement for a tutor to have a teaching qualification, although many tutors are former teachers and many parents prefer working with qualified teachers. You are entitled to ask a tutor if they have previous teaching experience and – if they don’t – what experience they’ve had.

6. Experience:

Has the tutor had experience of tutoring for the specific school, style of paper, age range, etc.? As I am sure you know, different schools have different exam formats so it is important that your chosen tutor has sufficient knowledge of your target schools.

7. Planning:

How will the tutor structure their sessions? Do they use PowerPoints, Google Docs, etc.? How will they personalise learning for your child?

Some tutors create their own lesson materials and others use existing workbooks. Both options can be effective but you need to decide what path will be most effective for your child.

8. Lesson Structure:

If you are booking group sessions, how many students will the tutor allow in each group? How will the tutor ensure your child is engaged and given regular opportunities to participate?

Make sure you are happy with the number of students. Some children thrive in groups and you are best placed to decide what is best for your child. Likewise, if your child is shy, what strategies will the tutor use to engage your child?

9. Homework and Feedback:

Will the tutor set and mark independent learning tasks? Where will you need to send the work to? How will it be stored? Some tutors set homework and some do not. Again, you should be comfortable with the tutor’s approach to independent learning. As an example, for my own students, I set one piece of homework per week so that the students have the opportunity to consolidate the learning from the class but the amount of additional work is not overwhelming.

10. Assessment and Reporting:

How will the tutor assess your child in the first few sessions? How will they communicate the results to you? How will the tutor track progress? Will the tutor offer weekly, monthly or half-termly feedback?

An effective tutor will share your child’s progress at regular points during the year either through email/WhatsApp contact or via written reports. There are various ways a tutor can track progress both inside and outside the class and a tutor should be more than willing to share their assessment policy.

11. Fees:

What does the session fee include? Some tutors charge additional costs for marking so it’s best to check. Also, how will the fees be paid – weekly, monthly, half-termly- and is there an expectation for the fees to be paid in advance? Again, you should be comfortable with the setup.

I appreciate I have recommended asking A LOT of questions. However, an effective tutor will be willing to answer any queries you have. You should feel confident that your chosen tutor is knowledgeable, experienced and professional with an approach suitable for your child. Best of luck with your tutoring journey!