Do I need to get extra tuition?...
Why chose private lessons?
Individual or small group tuition benefits any learner, but it can be vital for a dyslexic learner.
The tutor can help the learner find ways to work with their individual weaknesses and build on their strengths, in a safe and supportive environment. The learner works through a tailor-made programme at his/her own pace. All this builds confidence, and in our experience such tuition can be very positive as children quickly realise the tuition is helping.
You may be able to get financial help from a private tutorial centre or local authority: otherwise you will need to pay for tuition yourself.
Where does tuition take place?
Support lessons may be given in school, but this is not always possible. Tuition may also take place in a private tuition centre, but tuition outside school may be the last thing a child wants to do. Another option is home tuition. The tutor can also help parents find ways to help their child at home.
If an external tutor is not an option for you, there are still many ways you and your family can help to support learning. This website aims to help you help your child.
You can contact the Parent Champions to see if they can put you in touch with other parents in your local area, whom you can speak to for support and to share home teaching experiences. Click here to contact the Parent Champions.
How do I find a good tutor?
Choose your tutor carefully: the ideal tutor should be experienced, qualified, flexible, and supportive. You should also check that they have a proven track with up-to-date references and security checks.
Ask for a CV and look at their teaching qualifications and dates awarded. The tutor should have a Department for Education teaching registration number for general teaching. Check for specialist teacher training for dyslexia and the level of specialist training. Also ask the tutor’s experience of teaching dyslexic learners and how they keep up-to-date with their professional development.
It is vital to meet with the tutor first to get a feel for whether your child would be happy to work with him/her. You may also want to agree a trial period of maybe 4 lessons, to make sure that the teaching-learning relationship works well.
- Dyslexia Assist is setting up a UK-wide list of qualified tutors that other parents and children have recommended. Please be patient with us if there is no one listed in your area yet, as this project in ongoing. Click here to go to our 'Friendly Tutor’ page, where you can see the list of tutors.
- PATOSS is an organisation which qualified teachers for Specific Learning Difficulties (including Dyslexia) can join. It has a register which you are able to access online to find tutors and assessors. It also has detailed guidelines to enable you to check tutors are suitable for your needs. Click here to go to the PATOSS website.
- Dyslexia Scotland has a register of self-employed dyslexia specialist tutors and assessors who work with individuals of all ages.
- Dyslexic children may find the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional classrooms doesn’t work, which can leave them feeling frustrated, angry, singled out and upset. Wolsey Hall college helps support parents that homeschool, understanding that many homeschoolers freestyle using free resource material often found online, library books and some parent meet up sessions. Wolsey College offer a variety of courses so parents can cherry pick ones they feel they'd be unable to cover themselves. They offer specific learning support for dyslexia to build self-esteem, using resources most suited to a pupils skills to try different approaches and learning at their own pace. They have sent us an article to share, click here to read or get in touch via their website at www.wolseyhalloxford.org.uk