"A tutor is valuable to you because they can teach you what the education system can not. They help you focus on what you need to know - whatever your situation. Most teachers do not have the time or resources to help students individually. They also tend to be academic, covering only the subject matter required. This leaves out perhaps the most important information of all - how to pass the exam!"
"Deciding to have a tutor can help you realise your potential in exams and life. At the end of the day, the skills that you learn from your tutor in one subject can normally be used throughout your education and career - you never stop learning!"
Some common sense precautions to ensure Child Safety
"Do not worry about having to go through an agency. In an ideal world every agency would belong to a regulated association and every tutor would be vetted and bonded. Unfortunately this does not happen. I know of no association. When tutors apply they are, for the most part, asked what subjects they teach and then put on a list. I strongly feel that agencies offer a false sense of security. At the end of the day, if you want yourself or your child to feel safe and secure in someone else's home you have to use your own judgement."
"Some tutors may posses a Certificate of Criminal Disclosure, issued by the Criminal Records Bureau. The CRB carry out background checks on public sector (and some private sector) employees working with vulnerable people such as children. These 'Police Checks' can determine whether a person has any convictions against them which suggest that they may pose a risk to children. A certificate is of course no guarantee of future conduct, so parents are urged to exercise common sense and caution at all times."
"You are advised to ensure that the lessons take place with an adult family member present at all times. Do not use a tutor as a child-minding service."
"Ask to see references and/or testimonials and other proof of identity and address."
"It is important from both safety and educational points of view that you and your child feel comfortable with the tutor. If any party feels uncomfortable, it is probably best for all concerned to terminate the agreement and seek an alternative tutor"
If you are thinking of getting a tutor, please read this FAQ first: A+ FAQ for student considering using a tutor
For people considering becoming a tutor
"Unfortunately, most people think that knowledge and experience is all that is needed to be a good tutor - it isn't. Good tutors also know how to discover what you are good at and what you are bad at. They then use this knowledge to directly address your needs, allowing you to maximise your marks in your exams."
The main disadvantage of working for an agency is that they tend to take roughly £5 an hour from the tutors for what is, essentially, an advertising service. This is why I have tried to compile a list of commission-free and not-for-profit tutoring sites here for other tutors to use (see below).
If you are thinking of becoming a tutor, please read this FAQ first: A+ FAQ For Tutors
Also, here are some sample advertisments that may be helpful: A+ Tutor Resources
Commission-Free and Not-for-Profit Tutoring Sites
A++ Tutors is a 100% non profit making organization.
Blackboard Jungle is a low cost advertising service for tutors to use.
1-2-1 Tuition (Costs £149.99 + VAT per year to register with them).
Last updated: 26/01/04