Thinking of finding a tutor for your child or teen? Before you start, think first. There’s a lot at stake.
After all, stranger danger is real. You can’t just accept a stranger’s word any more. Especially when that person will be spending time alone with your child.
Some young people are especially vulnerable so it matters more than ever to find a tutor you can truly trust.
So – what sort of things should you be looking out for?
Five Essential New ‘Tutor’ Checks
- Check Identity. How do you know a tutor is who they say they are? Ask to see a copy of their passport or driving licence – the latter is ideal as it’ll have their address on. You’re not being finicky – just thorough
- Check Credentials. Is your tutor qualified? Some tutors don’t always have school teaching experience. They might be a professional expert in their field. But will have a paper trail.. A degree certificate, a CV, a PGCSE or teaching certificate. Ask for a copy!
- Check References. Any decent tutor will be only too happy to share the names and contact details of a parent they have worked with, a former employer, or a school they’ve worked at. A second character referee could be a long-term friend. Basically, someone who can vouch for them independently.
- Check Police Records. Anyone working with children/young people should have a DBS certificate, or be on the Update Service. This is an essential check. You need someone who is verified as safe to entrust your child to.
- Check Their Online Presence. Professional tutors will have a paper trail, or an online presence whether through LinkedIn, their own tuition website, or be listed as a tutor across the Internet. If you can’t find them anywhere, be alert to that.
Sometimes, it can be hard work to track trustworthy tutors down, but it’s worth it.
New Tutor Picked? Watch for Red Flags
First thing to do when a lesson has been arranged? Check your gut instinct. This is a biggie…
We all have niggling doubts that we ignore, right? It happens.
Plus we look for the best in people. After all, you don’t want to go through life being suspicious of everyone you meet.
But when it comes to someone spending time with your child, it matters that:
- You feel confidence in them
- That they are the right ‘fit’ for your child
- The tutor is prepared, asks questions, knows their subject
- They speak and act appropriately, and are a positive role model
Sometimes, you just ‘know’ whether a person is the right one for you child. Their reaction will speak volumes too.
If after several sessions, those red flags are still flying, it’s worth looking elsewhere. Always agree beforehand that you’d like a couple of trial sessions before committing longer term.
Again, any decent tutor would heartily agree to this.
The Easiest Way to Find a Trusty Tutor?
A professional agency or education service worth their weight will have done all the crucial checks for you – without you paying extra. And:
- Because finding a great tutor yourself can be time-consuming and costly too, established services such as ours can offer you a better choice.
- You can put your mind at rest right away too! Acting as an intermediary who knows the local areas inside out, we can give you the best advice.
- And with a strong tutor team on our books who have impressive credentials, you never have to worry about who your tutor is.
It all starts with a conversation when you are looking for a new tutor – whether for GCSEs, A Levels, or 11+/Entrance exams. Why not get in touch?
By the way, although we have lovely tutors in and around Cheshire and Manchester, our tutors work online too. We truly offer the best of both here at 121 Home Tutors.
*Image courtesy of Tutor Crunch
Tags: CV, DBS, references, tutor checks