Question 1

What ages do you tutor?

Accepted Answer

Growing Minds Tutoring specialises in Key Stage 1, primarily supporting children aged 5 to 7. Sessions are tailored to your child's individual starting point rather than simply their age.

Question 2

What subjects do you cover?

Accepted Answer

- Phonics and early reading
- English and writing
- Maths
- Handwriting
- Spelling
- Building confidence and independence

Question 3

Who will be tutoring my child?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are delivered by a qualified primary school teacher with over 15 years' teaching experience, specialising in KS1, with extensive experience in KS1 leadership and leading mathematics within a primary school.

Question 4

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Simply get in touch for an informal chat about your child, the support you are looking for, availability and the most suitable tutoring option.

Question 5

What happens in the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session will be a relaxed opportunity for your child to get to know me and become familiar with how tutoring works. We will talk about their interests, strengths and any areas they find challenging, helping me to understand how best to support them.

I may use a range of activities to get a clearer picture of your child's current skills and learning needs. This will not feel like a formal test, and your child will be encouraged throughout.

By the end of the session, I will have a better understanding of how to tailor future sessions so that they are engaging, supportive and focused on helping your child make progress.

Question 6

How many sessions will my child need?

Accepted Answer

Every child is different, so there is no set number of sessions. Some children may benefit from a short block of targeted support, while others may benefit from regular, ongoing sessions to build confidence and secure their learning.

Your child's progress will be continually reviewed, and I will always be open and honest about whether I feel continued tutoring would be beneficial. There is no expectation to commit to tutoring for a set length of time.

Question 7

How often should my child have tutoring?

Accepted Answer

For most KS1 children, one regular session per week is a good starting point. Consistency tends to be more beneficial than occasional intensive sessions.

Question 8

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

Standard tutoring sessions are 45 minutes, providing focused learning time while remaining manageable and engaging for younger children.

Question 9

Where do tutoring sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

Flexible options are available: at my home in Waterlooville, at your home within Waterlooville and surrounding areas, or online.

Question 10

Are sessions tailored to my child?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. There is no one-size-fits-all programme. Sessions are planned around your child's individual needs, confidence and learning style, using appropriate resources and activities.

Question 11

Do you follow what my child is learning at school?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are informed by the National Curriculum and KS1 expectations, but adapted to your child's individual needs. Areas identified by your child's teacher can also be incorporated.

Question 12

Can I stay during the sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to stay during your child's sessions, particularly if this helps them feel comfortable and settled.

I will create a calm, supportive learning environment and guide your child through the activities. Some children engage best when a parent or carer is nearby, while others become more independent when given space. We can discuss what is likely to work best for your child and adjust this over time.

You are also welcome to check in with me before or after sessions so we can share feedback and discuss your child's progress.

Question 13

What do we need for an online session?

Accepted Answer

Your child will need a suitable device, such as a laptop, desktop computer or tablet, with a reliable internet connection. A quiet, comfortable space where they can work without too many distractions is also helpful.

Please make sure the device has a working camera and microphone. I will provide details of the online platform and any joining instructions before the session.

Any resources or materials needed for the session will be discussed in advance.

Question 14

Do you record sessions?

Accepted Answer

No, sessions are not routinely recorded. This helps create a comfortable, private learning environment for your child.

If there is ever a specific reason to record a session, this would be discussed with you in advance, and recording would only take place with your consent. Any recording would be handled securely and deleted when it is no longer needed.

Question 15

Will a five-year-old really concentrate on a screen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many five-year-olds can engage well with online learning when sessions are carefully planned around their age, interests and attention span.

Sessions are kept interactive and varied, using conversation, games, visual resources and practical activities rather than expecting your child to sit passively and watch a screen. Short activities and regular changes of pace help maintain focus, and sessions can be adapted if your child needs a movement break or a different approach.

Every child is different, so I will get to know your child and adjust the sessions to help them feel comfortable, engaged and ready to learn.

Question 16

Can you help if my child has fallen behind at school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tutoring can identify and address gaps through targeted, manageable steps, helping children develop secure foundations and the confidence to use their learning independently.

Question 17

Can you support a child who lacks confidence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Growing Minds provides a calm, encouraging and supportive environment where children can make mistakes, ask questions and experience success without the pressures of a busy classroom.

Question 18

My child is shy or reluctant to work. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Building a positive relationship comes first. Sessions are designed to be warm, positive and age-appropriate rather than feeling like extra school.

Question 19

Do you work with children with additional needs?

Accepted Answer

I work with children with a range of additional needs and will take the time to understand your child's individual strengths, needs and learning preferences.

Sessions are tailored to help your child feel comfortable, supported and able to make progress. I will work closely with you to identify suitable approaches and adapt activities where needed.

If your child has specific needs or receives support from other professionals, I am happy to discuss how tutoring might complement their existing provision.

Question 20

Can you help prepare my child for the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Targeted phonics support can include recognising graphemes, blending, reading real and pseudo ("alien") words, and developing confidence with the skills assessed in the check.

Question 21

Will I know how my child is progressing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I will keep you updated on what we are working on, celebrate progress and let you know about areas we are continuing to develop.

Question 22

Do you set homework?

Accepted Answer

Homework is not usually set as a requirement, but I may occasionally suggest a short, manageable activity to practise a skill between sessions. Any activities will be tailored to your child's needs and designed to feel achievable rather than overwhelming. A few minutes of purposeful practice can be more valuable than large amounts of additional work.

I will discuss any suggested practice with you and make sure it fits comfortably alongside your child's other commitments.

Question 23

Can I see your DBS certificate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate and am happy to provide details on request. This gives families peace of mind that appropriate safeguarding checks have been completed before tutoring begins, including for face-to-face sessions.

Question 24

What information do you need about my child?

Accepted Answer

Before tutoring begins, I would like to understand a little about your child's needs, strengths and interests. Helpful information may include:

- Their age and school year
- The subjects or areas they would like support with
- Any specific difficulties, concerns or goals
- What they enjoy and what motivates them
- Any relevant information from school, such as recent assessments or teacher feedback
- Any additional needs, learning differences or support strategies that may help
- Their preferred learning style, if known
- Any important medical, communication or safeguarding information

You only need to share information that is relevant to your child's tutoring. All information will be treated sensitively and used to help plan appropriate, personalised sessions.

Questions parents ask

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