This is a difficult question to answer, because it depends on so many variables, for example how often you are having a private tutor and how much time your child is practising for in between sessions. It also depends on the individual child – some naturally progress more quickly than others, some may pick up a particular point after just one session, others may need to revisit it several times before they are able to achieve it independently. In general children who have dyslexia or dyscalculia will progress more slowly. However, within the first few sessions you should notice an increase in your child’s confidence, which will obviously help them to make better progress.
How often should I have a private tutor?
This needs to be a balance between your child’s needs, your tutor’s availability, and your own budget. For one subject, once a week is probably enough, with your child doing some practise on their own in between sessions. If you are having a private tutor for more than one subject, you should consider one hour a week per subject. However, tutors will understand that this is not always possible and it should be possible to split an hour session into, for example, half an hour of maths and half of English.
How long does a private tuition session last?
This is something you will need to discuss and agree with the private tutor before starting. I have seen sessions advertised ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours! From my own experience, I recommend sessions of 1 hour for each subject as this is long enough to introduce each topic and give your child plenty of time to practise, without being so long that they lose concentration
Where will the private tuition take place?
This depends on the tutor and is something you will need to discuss with them. Some will come to your house, some will tutor in their own home, and others will hire a room. Personally I feel it is best to tutor in the child’s own home so that they feel more confident and comfortable in familiar surroundings.
What are the benefits of private tuition?
With a private tutor your child will get individual, targeted help. The tutor will assess your child to find out what their strengths and weaknesses are, and then focus solely on those areas where your child needs help. Everyone learns in a different way, and a private tutor will also take this into account, ensuring that learning is an enjoyable experience for your child. Because the tuition happens on a one-to-one basis, any mistakes or misconceptions can be picked up on and addressed immediately, before the child has chance to embed wrong thinking or methods.