The role of private tuition for primary teachers and pupils

Teachers today seem to be under more pressure than ever before, with ever-increasing class sizes, targets to meet and more and more children with additional needs that must be catered for. Funding cuts mean that TAs’ hours are being reduced, leaving class teachers to manage children who have additional needs alongside other mainstream pupils without much-needed support.
It’s little wonder that as a result, through no fault of the teacher, some children get left behind in terms of their academic achievement. Key concepts in Literacy and Numeracy are often taught in blocks, so for instance, if a child is struggling with the concept of ‘time’ in the Autumn Term, that subject may not be revisited until the end of the Spring Term. Also, the revised primary curriculum in KS2 has meant that Y6 children are now being tested on very challenging concepts during their SATs tests which some parents do not feel confident in explaining to their child.

Turning to Tuition
For all these reasons, an increasing number of parents are turning to private tuition to guarantee that their child gets the uninterrupted attention from a teacher for an hour a week, to address any difficulties they may be having. This presents teachers with an opportunity to supplement their income by offering private tuition in the comfort and security of the pupil's own home.
Also, since the expansion of Grammar Schools across the UK, there are a growing number of parents who would like their child to attend one. As competition for places at the top schools is fierce, this presents an opportunity for primary teachers to provide tuition for the entrance exam, which usually includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests (subjects rarely covered in state-funded Primary Schools). Tutors can also provide guidance on exam technique and time management to prepare the pupil for test day.
Tuition is not just aimed at those pupils who are not reaching age-related expectations; it can also be used to stretch a very bright and able pupil if the child’s parents are concerned that their son or daughter is not reaching their full potential in the classroom.

Benefits for teachers
Teachers who tutor often report that it can be more rewarding and satisfying than classroom teaching, as they can see the progress that one child is making each week as a direct result of their input. Teachers who have tried tuition often state that they quickly build a rapport with their tuition pupil which can have a very positive impact on the child's life. Pupils remember their tutor and how they helped them (both academically and personally) for many years to come.
In addition, some subjects such as handwriting are really tricky to teach to many pupils at once, as children often need one to one support. That’s where tuition can be invaluable. Plus, the pupil’s parents are usually delighted when they see how their child improves week by week and as a result, they will feel that they are getting good value for money.
Some teachers with a high workload may be hesitant to take on another commitment like tutoring after a full day at school, but lessons can be delivered on a Saturday or Sunday or over the half terms instead.
For all the reasons mentioned above, tuition can be a lucrative way to earn an extra income, which can be put towards things like holidays, weddings or a mortgage. It can also be a good way for retired teachers to continue putting their skills to good use.

Benefits for pupils
The teacher can tailor a block of lessons which cover the specific areas that the pupil is struggling with, rather than going over areas they already understand – something which isn’t possible in a classroom situation where there are children of vastly varying ability levels to be catered for.
The pupil will be working in a quiet yet familiar environment (away from the distractions of their friends) so they can really concentrate on the subject they are working on. Also, if the pupil is having real difficulty in grasping a certain subject, then their tutor can go over it as many times as required (without fear of the pupil feeling embarrassed) and can explain it in a number of different ways, which wouldn’t be possible in a classroom situation.

Would you like to tutor?
For further information about tutoring, or to book a tutor for your child in the Lancashire/Sefton area, please visit www.goldstartutors.co.uk or email [email protected]. New likes on my Facebook page are always welcome www.facebook.com/goldstartutors1. Please also see my testimonials on the above website and my positive reviews on my FB page.
Doc first published on www.primaryteaching.co.uk which is a recommended website for school reward resources.