How the sessions work/General Info/FAQs
How the sessions work
We all work together as a team to build your child’s confidence and fill any gaps.
Sometimes we will work on topics linked to current school work, sometimes we might complete tricky school homework but mostly we will be working on the subjects/ topics agreed at the outset and identified as a result of the initial block.
Sessions will be 30/45 or 60 minutes. It is quite common to start with 30 minutes a week and build up to 60 minutes when ready.
A) Zoom sessions
You should be in the waiting room 5 minutes before your session is due to start.
The session will finish at the end time - follow up is on WhatsApp. If you need to contact me, use WhatsApp. I will use WhatsApp (sometimes in session) to post session reports/issues as well as the homework.
B) Live sessions - (at your home or in a library) will cost more than Zoom to factor in travel time there and back as well as cost of travel. Feedback will be included in the time of visit (55-minute session/5 minutes feedback etc) or factored into the cost if you want longer feedback. WhatsApp can/will also be used to feedback on live sessions to save time.
General Info
- The Zoom login stays the same for every session. Please note my Zoom login code as you can use this to log in even if you can’t find the Zoom link. Please use your name or your child’s name as the Zoom sign in. Furthermore, please keep the Zoom information near where the sessions will take place - on the fridge/wall. I will post the Zoom code into the WhatsApp group too.
- Books - please don’t buy any books for sessions without running by me first as I have lots of books.
- Please have the books all ready for the session plus pen and paper. Have a set box or folder for the books and keep them all together ready for the session time. Train your child to have this all organised.
- When sessions are taking place, you will need to be nearby: in the next room with the door open. There must always be an adult over 18 in the house when sessions take place.
- What you are actually paying for is: session delivery and homework and concise weekly feedback as well as a brief summary half-termly report. Charges are reviewed at the end of the block as service beyond the above (More detailed contact/more emails/messages etc) could lead to a higher charge moving forward.
- Because of other time commitments (work/family/other tutoring) I am unable to have the time for lengthy correspondence between sessions. Phone conversations tend to be very occasional and not a regular event. WhatsApp is used alongside email. If you require more contact between sessions then please let me know and we can do this at a higher price. There is generally no charge for reading school reports/liaising with schools etc unless it becomes time-consuming. If so, a charge will be incurred.
- WhatsApp group - I will make one before the first session and invite you to join.
- Session work - first block - 5 sessions we will look at all areas: reading comprehension/maths/writing plus Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning if required.
- Homework; linked to session work usually 30-60 mins a week. I like to see session work done in the text books - therefore please take a photo of the session work and send back to me prior to the next session noting any tricky areas.
- Half term blocks - payment in advance is in half term blocks. If this is tricky then I also accept monthly payment in advance of the first session in the block. Prices are reviewed after the first block and generally increase once a year after March 31st. Put new block start dates on your Calendar. Your next block will start in Mid-April (holiday sessions excluded).
- Holiday sessions (inc. back to school August sessions) usually happen over most half terms in the daytime on days I am available. There are generally no weekend half term sessions after the first weekend. I also run group sessions in half term - creative writing is very popular.
- At the end of the year, I usually finish around the 13th December. Entrance exam students finish on this date too.
- Referrals are always welcome - please let me know if you know anyone who is interested. I will send you the flyer (email and WhatsApp) to send around your networks. Group sessions are also an option I am trying to grow so if you know someone who is interested then please pass on my details.
- Payment is always for block in advance. If half-termly payment is tricky, I can also take monthly (four-weekly payment) also in advance.
- Charges: introductory price £25 for 30 mins for the first block (via Zoom) then £30 for 30 minutes /£40 for £45 minutes and £50 for 60 minutes (this could be two lots of 30 minutes). Charges for live sessions will depend on location.
FAQs
*What if I can’t make a lesson? Let me know as soon as you know. We can usually simply reschedule. I sometimes have to postpone too so it is not a problem. Unless it happens a lot. If so, we will need to review the arrangements. With regards to: No shows/forgetting to cancel - if you don’t let me know you are not coming - you will be charged for the session.
*What if I want to stop tutoring? Give four weeks’ notice - this gives me time to fill the slot.
*If you want to change days/times - let me know in good time. It might be possible but usually involves a swap.
*If you want to take a break - as above - this is fine but I can’t save your time/day which may have to change.
Disclaimer: entrance exams
Despite my results: multiple entries into Alleyn’s/St Dunstan’s/JAGS/Dulwich College/Colfe’s/Sydenham etc. There is still no guarantee that your child will get into a school or your choice of school as a result of tutoring. Anything can happen with exams and the process is competitive for limited spaces. However, your child will learn new things and be more ready for the next step. Whatever that is!