Tuition

 

The main reason I set up Gentle Learning Support was to provide tuition services for children. It started small, as a favour to a friend or two. Before long parents were asking for recommendations and my name was being put forward. I started working with my longest standing student (let's call them T) in late 2018 or early 2019. Then Lockdown came. I quickly had to adjust my model. Technology was not my friend in the early days and it was a steep learning curve. When we were allowed to meet in gardens during the summer, I would travel to T's home, go through the side gate and teach in the sunshine. It was a welcome break to the four walls of lockdown, and I had the privilege of getting to know my student and their family on a deeper level. 

As we all emerged from lockdown it was clear that there had been a shift in the outlook and expectations of families with children with additional needs. A proportion of these children were happier at home; they felt safe and calm in a way they could not remember feeling before. They were unwilling to go back to a stressful lifestyle of mainstream education.  More parents were seeking support in how to advocate for their child. The model of tuition for (mainly) neurodivergent students and parental support was born in this era of hope, change and confusion. Having been through the SEND pipelines with my own child, the fact that students with additional needs tended to do well with me, and my deep empathy which drives me to support people meant that I was well placed to help.

 I am now mostly full and have a waitlist for after school sessions, and I assess each potential daytime student on a case by case basis. There is so much I love about my job. 

  • Working with amazing students on the skills and knowledge that they need to thrive

  • Incorporating executive functioning and emotional regulation skills into my practice

  • Supporting parents - the journey as a parent can be lonely and filled with guilt. Speaking to someone who understands is so powerful. There were other mums who did this for me and I am forever grateful.

  • Working at home so I can support my own child. 

  • Being able to support the student in front of me and not worry about external targets. I feel surrounded by a community who understand one another and I do not have the immense pressure that my mainstream colleagues are under. 

  • The opportunity to attend as much relevant CPD as needed.

  • Time to be creative with my approach

  • Learning each day from my students and their families.

 Fees:

My fees are £40 for a 50 minute after school session. This includes all usual learning resources.

My daytime rate is £50 for a 90 minute session. 

I also have some daytime groups that will start in 2025. 

Other services

Face to Face Tuition

Face to face tutoring in the classroom at my home to help your child to reach their full potential in school learning. A focus on reading, writing and maths as needed. I have a fully stocked classroom with resources, books and games to help your child learn.

Online Tuition

Online one to one lessons via Zoom for those who are unable to meet face to face.

Online Tuition and Support with Reading and Spelling

Each month gain unlimited access to personalised learning on the Word Shark platform, including an initial assessment, unlimited access to the learning games, individualised spelling lists so your child is working at their own level, ongoing assessment to track your child’s progress, weekly teacher support from myself and regular telephone support.

Family Support Navigating the Education System, Especially SEND

Having experienced both sides of SEND provision, I am offering support to those who are currently navigating it. This may be in the form of sign-posting, moral support, advocacy and support with letter writing etc.

Family Support with Befriending and Behaviour Management

When your child is struggling or receives a diagnosis everything can become overwhelming. I can come alongside you to help you through the practicalities at home, including tips and strategies for behaviour management, parent self care, and information that will help you and your child thrive.

Functional Skills Tuition

I am now offering functional skills tuition, for English and maths, including entry level and levels 1 and 2. Currently this is one to one, and I intend on starting day time groups if there is demand for this. Please note this is tuition only. It will include all of the usual resources, but not access to the exam.

Screeners

I offer screeners for a variety of learning needs, such as dyslexia, ADHD and dyscalculia. Please note, a screener is not a diagnosis, but rather gives an indication of a likelihood of that learning need. Always seek professional advice regarding gaining a diagnosis for your child.

If you would like to know more or book a call, please fill in your details below.