If you’re a teacher who can help kids Klarify (sorry!) Keats, we’d love to hear from you.
With the new English Literature and Language exams we’ve got huge demand for GCSE English tutors in Ely, Cambridge, St Ives, Huntingdon and Newmarket who can simplify Shakespeare, de-mystify Dickens and untangle Keats (my alliteration fails me with Keats!).
With the new English Literature and Language exams we’ve got huge demand for GCSE English tutors who can simplify Shakespeare, de-mystify Dickens and untangle Keats (my alliteration fails me with Keats!).
It can be quite difficult to spot that your child needs help coming up to their GCSEs or A levels; they want to be independent and frankly don’t always know they need help. Tutor My Kids offers some pointers to help decide.
Ask the question.
It’s always worth asking your teenager which subjects they’re finding hard – it may be the subject matter, the way it’s taught or how well they get on with their teacher. It’s worth asking the question of school too. Schools and colleges are pretty direct these days – many teachers will say if they think a private tutor may help.
Mock results.
Mock results are invariably below the grades your child will get, because they’ve got another 6 months+ to go at this point, but if they’re significantly different from the result they were expecting, it could be helpful to get a private tutor to help with GCSEs or A levels. If your child has any learning difficulties, it’s also worth asking if they can get extra time in the exams. Take a look at Could my child get extra time for GCSEs and A levels?
What grades do they need?
The government are now insisting all students get GCSE maths and English and it certainly easier to get these done in year 11 with the other GCSEs, than have them hanging over into year 12 or 13. Take a look at the new GCSE grades for information on the new grading systems.
Does your child need a specific grade to get into their sixth form, university or apprenticeship choice?
How can a private tutor help?
A private GCSE or A level tutor can help in all sorts of ways. Firstly they can help with subject knowledge – filling in any gaps which your child has not fully understood. Secondly, they can advise on where to pick up marks. Many of our tutors also mark or set exam papers, so have a really good understanding of where marks can be gained and lost. Finally, confidence should not be underestimated, a student who is confident of his or her abilities is invariably calmer and more relaxed going into the exams, which means they’ll suffer less from exam anxiety and perform better.
When is the right time to get help from a private tutor?
Whilst it is always good to be guided by your child and by school, as a provider of private A level and GCSE tutors in Cambridge and surrounding areas, at Tutor My Kids we’re also aware that availability of good tutors drops rapidly the closer it gets to the exams.
They’re in year 10 – is this too early?
This depends on your child. If they’re very far behind the grade that they need in year 11, they may well be value in finding a private tutor in year 10.
How do I find a good tutor?
At Tutor My Kids we’re biased, but we think that teachers make the best private tutors. Almost all our private tutors in the Cambridgeshire area are teachers. Teachers know how to put across the information well; it’s what they do everyday. We also believe that the personality fit between the tutor and student is as important as their subject knowledge, so we always visit our clients personally and always interview our tutors face to face to ensure a great match. Personal recommendation is always a good way to find a good tutor and we’re always delighted by how many of our clients recommend us to their friends and colleagues. And of course, our tutors are all DBS checked.
If you’re sourcing a tutor yourself, do ask for testimonials from present or previous clients and check them out.
For more information, please email Rachel Law or call her for an informal chat on 01223 858421.
Well I think, as ever, it’s rarely one thing, but a combination of several things which together form something quite incredible.
We’re small and local
Founded in 2011 by Rachel Law, a teacher and mum, we’re based in Ely, Cambridgeshire.
We know all our tutors personally, so we know their background and experience. We know what they’re good at and what they’re really great at! We talk with them regularly and we’re one big team.
Our tutors are amazing
We have amazing tutors. We are pretty picky – with a few exceptions, all our tutors are qualified teachers. Teachers have the curriculum experience and years of experience to understand how to get that information across to students with a huge variety of different learning styles. It’s what teachers do day in, day out; it’s our stock in trade.
Our teachers have the academic underpinning and understanding to know which learning blocks build information and how to rebuild the missing ones.
If you’re a teacher who’d like to find out about Becoming a Tutor My Kids tutor, click the link, email Rachel or call Rachel Law on 01223 646421 for a friendly and informal chat.
Our clients are amazing
We have great clients who simply want to give their children more confidence in their learning. We’re blessed with appreciative clients who are generous enough to recommend us to their friends, colleagues and family.
Rachel visits all our clients in their home to ensure that we understand what is needed academically, but also to get a feel for how the student learns and which tutors would be the best fit for your family and child. Rachel also interviews all our teachers personally, face-to-face. We feel that the personality fit between tutor and student is equally important. As a primary school teacher, Rachel is also able to assess many of our students to understand where their strengths lie and discover areas where we can help to improve understanding and confidence.
We’re joined-up
With our clients permission, we liaise with the student’s class or subject teacher to supplement the information from the initial assessment. Our clients are invariably hugely supportive of their child’s teachers, but just feel that the teacher can’t devote the one-to-one time to their child that they’d like. Many parents worry that the teacher may be ‘put out’ if they get a tutor. This couldn’t be further from the truth; all teachers want the best for all their pupils and almost without exception are just delighted that the pupil is getting some extra help to support them.
We stay in touch
Our tutors feedback to our parents after each session to explain how it’s gone – what’s been good, what needs more work etc. In addition, Rachel stays in touch with our parents and tutors too throughout the tutoring, to ensure that it’s all going to plan and helping out with any issues or concerns.
We love seeing great results
We’re all hard-wired to love seeing great results from the tuition – it’s one of Rachel’s greatest joys – The best bit of my job! We just love helping people to thrive and giving kids confidence.
We’re positive
All our teachers are positive, upbeat people who bring a ray of light with them. They’re a joy to have around and without doubt this rubs off on to our pupils and their families.
What makes us brilliant?
So, I think it’s being small enough to know our tutors and clients well, having amazing, positive teachers who bring a rush of energy and positivity with them. It’s joining up with schools so we have the fullness picture we can of the student’s needs, keeping our clients up to date with progress and loving seeing kids learn, thrive and gain confidence. And feeding back to our parents.
There are 3 key things to help your kids with over the summer.
Reading
Regular reading is always a great thing to help your child. For young children, read to them and with them, reading the tricky words for them. Aim for daily if at all possible; as with all things, a few minutes a day is more beneficial than an hour at the weekend. As they get older, encourage them to read to themselves too. For older kids, getting ahead of GCSE and A level texts ahead of September can be a great help. Not all kids love reading – try getting them reading on a kindle, tablet or audio books. There is definitely a link between reading and writing; those children who read a lot tend to use better word choices in their written work.
Writing
Take a look at your child’s school report and see if school have highlighted any particular ‘next steps’ – using capital letters, commas, better word choices etc. Writing a daily journal can be a great thing for children (maybe invest in a gorgeous notebook specially for that purpose), book reviews, letters to relatives (who doesn’t like to receive a hand-written note), hand-made greetings cards, shopping lists etc.
Handwriting formation is a great one to crack over the summer, when you’ve got a little more time on your hands. Just check with your school that you’re following the correct style for your school. Most schools teach joined up writing because it’s thought to help spelling if you join up the word in one sweep (it’s from NLP – a thought and an action combined). However, it’s important to get the individual letter formation correct first. Some children can be rushed into joining before this is secure. This site is a great one for advice and help, from another teacher and parent, and includes free handwriting resources. http://www.teachhandwriting.co.uk/
Maths
For children in years 1-2, a thorough knowledge of numbers – which ones add up to 10 and 20 (these are called number bonds). Learning doubles, halves and random single digit sums (e.g 5+7) are invaluable skills to work on. A good way to practise this is to make a game out of it. Get a 0-9 dice (type ‘0-9 sided dice’ into Amazon or ebay or use a random number generator) and throw them randomly to generate 2 numbers to add. You can throw twice for older children to get 2 digit numbers (e.g. 23 + 68). Again, 5 minutes daily is much more effective than an hour at the weekend. Children relying on adding with their fingers isn’t wrong at all, but it slows children down, especially as the maths gets harder. It also stops these problems becoming entrenched later down the line. Our tutors in Cambridgeshire and I have seen many GCSE students who still add up basic numbers on their fingers whilst being able to do Trigonometry and other much complex maths.
From KS2 (years 3-6) onwards, times tables are the back bone of maths success. Practise these so your kids can say them in random order and know the corresponding division facts. 25÷5=5.
For secondary age kids, after the basics (number bonds – numbers adding up to 10, 20 ,100 etc), doubles/halves, times tables), ensure that the formulae are known – area of a circle, Pythagoras, trig etc. My maths and other such sites are great for tutorials and practising tricky areas (fractions, percentages, decimals etc) over the summer too.
If you’re a teacher who’d like to find out about Becoming a Tutor My Kids tutor, click the link, email Rachel or call Rachel Law on 01223 646421 for a friendly and informal chat.
Thanks for reading. Speak soon,
Rachel.
Rachel Law is the founder of Tutor My Kids, a teacher and a mum.
I’m so grateful for this amazing testimonial from one of our amazing teachers who tutors in Ely.
‘Working for Tutor My Kids has reminded me why I originally wanted to teach – to make a difference in children’s learning and confidence, and see them progress. As a senior manager for the last twelve years of my full time career, I got further and further away from the children and deeper and deeper into paperwork about why they weren’t progressing fast enough. Each child is an individual, has different needs and responds to different learning styles. The pupils I work with through TutorMyKids all benefit from a plan that I design specifically for them and deliver on a 1:1 basis. I see them progress and gain confidence through small steps – and realise that what I am doing is making that difference. Being a tutor with TutorMyKids is so rewarding – I have regained confidence in my teaching ability, working with delightful children and parents who enjoy seeing their children progress.’
I think this hits the nail on the head of why so many teachers are leaving the classroom and looking at other ways in which they can use their years of teaching experience in a way that is valued, that is acknowledged, has freedom and autonomy, enables teachers to do a great job (and feel like they are) and make a difference to pupils.
Did you go into teaching to work with children and see them blossom? Do you enjoy those ‘light bulb’ moments when they understand? Do you feel amazing when you know you’ve made that difference? Do you love sharing those wonderful moments? Do you want to work with people like that? Do you want to be responsible for your work? Do you love it when someone says ‘Thank you for teaching my child?’
Yes, us too.
One-to-one teaching gives you just that.
Tutor My Kids is a small, welcoming company based in Ely. We help families by arranging private tuition for students who have fallen behind. We offer high quality, tailored tuition, in the students’ homes, after school and at weekends and occasionally have daytime tuition too. Our clients are based across Cambridgeshire.
Our clients are fabulous, positive, thoughtful, straightforward, carefully-vetted people who want to help their children for all the right reasons – to help them regain their confidence, catch-up and reach their full potential. Many of our parents and carers recommend us to their friends and colleagues so our business grows steadily and organically; we don’t advertise for new clients.
Our teachers are just amazing. We have a greatly valued team of fantastic, enthusiastic, respected, committed and motivated teachers who love what they do.
We have the most demand for English, maths and science tuition, at all levels – primary and secondary, through to A level, but sometimes our students don’t fit into the standard boxes. We often need primary teachers who are also able to teach year 7-9 maths and/or English. GCSE. A level teachers area also in demand.
Take a look at our website or call Rachel Law on 01223 858421 for a no-obligation, friendly, informal chat or get in touch via email hello@tutormykids.co.uk
Teachers leaving teaching to become private tutors in #Ely, #Cambridge, #Newmarket and Huntingdon.
Half of teachers are considering leaving teaching due to workload and work/life balance.
This was the statistic that was highlighted from a YouGov pol in a recent Guardian article. Most due to work load (61%) and then work/life balance (57%). Research from Department of Education, says that teachers are working up to 60 hours a week. I think unless you’re in a profession, or know someone well who is, this is a lost statistic. Many people still see the long holidays and short days that children are in the classroom, overlooking the planning, marking and assessment that eats into evenings, weekends and holidays. I was talking recently to a friend who’s a teacher in #Ely and she says that she’s never known it so bad, in terms of paperwork, pressure and expectations.
Transferable skills
Many teachers are being lost entirely from the profession, with good transferable skills into other professions and businesses, but there are teachers who are choosing not to lose their teaching skills and are working differently.
Work Differently
Many teachers are addressing their work/life balance and choosing to work differently. Some are opting for part-time teaching, supply teaching and/or private tutoring.
Private Tutoring – daytime or evening
At Tutor My Kids, we see many teachers who are or have changed the way they’re working. We’ve recently had a head teacher join us who is loving teaching kids against, whilst still maintaining her skills and delivering training to teachers too. She’s reporting much higher job satisfaction and work/life balance. We’ve a number who combine supply teaching with tutoring and a number of deputy head teachers who are combining tutoring with young family commitments. Some of our teachers want to tutor in the evenings so they’re around daytime for pre-school children, others prefer daytime tuition. We’re working with schools in Cambridgeshire, providing daytime tutors for students who can’t assess classroom tuition – alternative provision, which suits some of our tutors in Cambridge really well.
Do you want to know more?
If you’re wondering if you could change the way you teach, take a look at How to become a private tutor or give Rachel a call on 01223 858421 to discuss becoming a private tutor in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Cambourne and Huntingdon areas.
Teachers leaving teaching to become private tutors in #Ely, #Cambridge, #Newmarket and Huntingdon.
Half of teachers are considering leaving teaching due to workload and work/life balance.
This was the statistic that was highlighted from a YouGov pol in a recent Guardian article. Most due to work load (61%) and then work/life balance (57%). Research from Department of Education, says that teachers are working up to 60 hours a week. I think unless you’re in a profession, or know someone well who is, this is a lost statistic. Many people still see the long holidays and short days that children are in the classroom, overlooking the planning, marking and assessment that eats into evenings, weekends and holidays. I was talking recently to a friend who’s a teacher in #Ely and she says that she’s never known it so bad, in terms of paperwork, pressure and expectations.
Transferable skills
Many teachers are being lost entirely from the profession, with good transferable skills into other professions and businesses, but there are teachers who are choosing not to lose their teaching skills and are working differently.
Work Differently
Many teachers are addressing their work/life balance and choosing to work differently. Some are opting for part-time teaching, supply teaching and/or private tutoring.
Private Tutoring – daytime or evening
At Tutor My Kids, we see many teachers who are or have changed the way they’re working. We’ve recently had a head teacher join us who is loving teaching kids against, whilst still maintaining her skills and delivering training to teachers too. She’s reporting much higher job satisfaction and work/life balance. We’ve a number who combine supply teaching with tutoring and a number of deputy head teachers who are combining tutoring with young family commitments. Some of our teachers want to tutor in the evenings so they’re around daytime for pre-school children, others prefer daytime tuition. We’re working with schools in Cambridgeshire, providing daytime tutors for students who can’t assess classroom tuition – alternative provision, which suits some of our tutors in Cambridge really well.
Do you want to know more?
If you’re wondering if you could change the way you teach, take a look at How to become a private tutor or give Rachel a call on 01223 858421 to discuss becoming a private tutor in Cambridge, Ely, Newmarket, Cambourne and Huntingdon areas.
Many teachers are leaving the profession or
changing the way they work – perhaps opting for part-time or supply teaching and/or
private tutoring.
We’re increasingly being approached by great teachers who are
simply ‘greyed out’ by the politics and paperwork but don’t want to stop doing what they love – working with children.Teachers are looking at
other ways to use their skills.
Teacher are looking at new ways of working, often combining things together, such as part-time or supply teaching and private tuition. The supply situation seems to vary enormously across the
country, but in Cambridgeshire, there’s no shortage. Ditto with private tuition
– demand for private tutors in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon and surrounding areas
is high.
The following is a quick guide to setting up as a private
tutor:
Where do you want to tutor?
You will need to decide if you want to be a private tutor who sees clients at your home or the clients’ homes. There are pros and cons for both. Being a private tutor at home can be distracting if you have your own family or may work out fabulously because you’ve got all your resources there. You may prefer to travel to your clients so you can be fully focussed on your student and not worry about keeping your house tidy!
How much should I charge for private tuition?
This, again, is a personal choice. Take a look at what other tutors are charging and what you feel is a fair reflection of your time and experience.
How do I find clients?
If you want to find clients yourself, start telling people
that you’re going to work as a private tutor. Word of mouth will be your best
advertising. If you’re on Facebook, mention it there – even set yourself up a Facebook
page dedicated to your tutoring and don’t forget cards in the local shops. You
can also register yourself on the various tutor boards.
If you feel uncomfortable about selling yourself or you want
to get off the ground more quickly, you could consider an agency. Agencies vary
enormously in terms of their approach so speak to a few and see who you feel
you ‘click’ with.
Working with an agency means that you won’t have to sell yourself.
Go for an agency (such as Tutor My Kids in Cambridge) who visit their clients
personally first to ensure you know that you’re going somewhere safe and vetted
to work as a personal tutor. Most of our private tutors in Ely, Cambridge,
Huntingdon and surrounding areas are women. We think it’s really important that
we’ve visited the client’s home first. We only accept clients who we’re happy
with and also we do a great job of matching the needs of our students to your
skills and experience.
Some agencies simply match you with a client based on your
skills and the client’s requirements. E.g. if you teach GCSE maths and the client’s
child is sitting GCSE maths they’ll match you up. Others offer a more personalised service. At Tutor
My Kids in Cambridge we view these things differently. It may be a GCSE maths
student (especially if taking the foundation paper) may benefit from a primary
trained maths tutor who can help fill in gaps that are preventing the student
from progressing fully.
How do I get more clients?
At the end of the day, whether you find clients yourself or
through an agency, I’d suggest that you go with your instincts. If you feel
that you connect with the family/agency then great. If you’re really not sure
at all, then better not to start the assignment. With the right client or agency, you’ll get
more bookings through word of mouth without fail.
How many clients are too many?
This is a personal thing, but if you feel you’re able to fit
in the prep and planning before the session to the best of your ability, then
you’re about right. If you’re struggling to find the time, then definitely don’t
take any more clients on. Doing things well will bring you more clients and
recommendations but be careful not to overstretch yourself.
Feeling Appreciated.
Schools can be tough at the moment, with sometimes little
praise. Being a private tutor for many teachers is a hugely liberating thing;
it reconnects them with seeing directly the link of their efforts to the child
and it’s also really lovely for teachers to be really valued by their clients and/or
agency.
If you’re interested in becoming a private tutor in Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon or Newmarket, please get in touch with Rachel Law on 01223 858421 or take a look at the Tutor My Kids Website www.Tutormykids.co.uk
