How to choose a tutor who fits your child

Describe the difficulty before choosing the timetable

Write down what your child needs help doing. 'Maths is difficult' is a starting point; 'fractions make sense in class, but word problems are difficult to begin' gives a tutor something to discuss. Bring one or two examples of recent work and ask your child what feels confusing.

Separate an immediate deadline from a longer aim. Preparing for an upcoming assessment and building a steadier homework routine may need different plans. You do not need to diagnose the problem before asking for help, but a specific starting question makes the conversation more useful.

Ask how the tutor would approach that need

Invite the tutor to explain how they would begin with your example. Listen for how they would find out what the learner already understands, introduce a difficult idea and check understanding. Ask how they respond when a child is reluctant to speak or gives an incorrect answer.

A short explanation in plain language is more informative than a long list of teaching buzzwords. Involve your child where possible: can they follow the explanation, and do they feel able to ask another question? Treat that response as one part of your decision.

Make experience relevant to your learner

Ask about experience with the subject, learning stage and work your child is actually doing. Share the curriculum or assessment approach used by the school rather than assuming every tutor follows the same material. Discuss the language of instruction and any explanation preferences.

If qualifications or references matter to your decision, read the verification record on the tutor's profile. Every profile names each check, who issued it and when it expires — including the ones still outstanding. Ask about anything still outstanding and clarify uncertainty before making an arrangement.

Compare the practical details on the same basis

Consider the whole school week, including travel, activities and time to complete work independently. Agree on session length, location or online setup, materials and how communication with a parent will work. For online sessions, discuss what happens if connectivity interrupts the lesson.

Ask each tutor the same practical questions so you can compare their answers clearly.

• What is included in the agreed fee, and when is payment due?
• How are changes, cancellations and missed sessions handled?
• Will practice be suggested between sessions, and who explains it?

Set a small, observable first goal

Agree on a manageable starting task, such as explaining a method in the learner's own words or attempting a particular type of question with less prompting. Leave room for the tutor to adjust the plan after meeting your child and seeing their work.

Avoid turning the first session into a demand for an immediate mark increase. Ask what the tutor expects to learn from the session and what feedback you will receive afterwards. Confirm the first appointment details directly before preparing materials.

Choose a point to review the fit

Agree when to compare notes. Ask your child which explanations helped, what remains unclear and whether they felt comfortable participating. Ask the tutor what they observed and which part of the plan they would keep or change.

Use examples of work alongside the learner's experience. If expectations differ, discuss the specific issue before adding more sessions. You can return to your original learning need and choose a different arrangement if the fit is not right.