Why tutoring isn't just achieving exam success
Statistics and dinner party chatter both confirm that tuition is rife. It is something that so many parents consider and use – but it is also too easy to feel the pressure to do this for your child. If you have not yet entered this world, take a few minutes to reflect.
Firstly, and most importantly, is the question of whether your child is in need of tuition. There are, of course, plenty of good reasons for supporting your child in this way. However, it can be very easy to feel the pressure to put this in place, in part, because this is what everyone else is doing!
Assuming the answer is ‘yes’, let’s start at the most important point the child. Your child should obviously be at the centre of his work. It may sound obvious, but a child will not be fulfilled and strive, without being as happy and confident as he or she can be. There are often many reasons why a child is not ready or able to absorb academic work and to that end the overall care and welfare of a child is paramount to learning. For example, if your child lacks self-confidence or self-esteem is low, gradually building this up with an experienced tutor is even more important than the content of the session itself.
A perceptive and suitable professional will work alongside your child with insight and an holistic view of him or her.
It is vital that you ensure that any tuition should be child-centred and place the wellbeing of each individual child at the centre. Each child will require a different approach – some require encouragement, some engage with a matter of fact approach and others need time to reflect. There are children who respond to humour, some to challenge and, of course, all to praise.
It is so important that each teacher-tutor who undertakes the role of teaching your child is not only knowledgeable in their subject, but also understanding and knowledgeable of the qualities of childcare and good welfare of the child. It also goes without question that each teacher-tutor should have an Enhanced DBS certificate and is suitably qualified for the work.
As your tutor and child work together, the tutor will soon get to know your child better. He or she will be aware of any changes in his or her wellbeing, happiness or performance – these will be addressed appropriately depending on the situation. In all cases, liaison with parents or guardians is clearly essential.
In short, the welfare, care and protection of each individual child are paramount. If all these factors are taken into account, your child will be ready to learn and engage, and you will feel confident in the knowledge that your child is looked after in a session that will be both fulfilling and fruitful.
Sue Laidlaw is Senior Partner at Laidlaw Education
020 8487 9517
laidlaweducation.co.uk