Thinking of getting a tutor for your child here are some tips:

🧠 1. Start with Safety and Safeguarding First

👉 Background checks matter

• Always ask if the tutor has an enhanced DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check — this is not mandatory for private tutors in the UK, but it does provide reassurance that they have been screened for criminal history relevant to working with children. (Single Central Record)

• Ask for references (at least two) and follow them up by phone or email. (sfds.haringey.sch.uk)

• Check identity, qualifications and professional credentials — don’t accept screenshots; ask to see original certificates. (chscp.org.uk)

👉 Set expectations and boundaries

• Agree clearly where, when and how sessions will take place. Preferably in communal areas at home, not bedrooms. (chscp.org.uk)

• Be present or nearby for in-person and online sessions — this protects your child and the tutor. (chscp.org.uk)

• Discuss and agree professional boundaries: tutors shouldn’t ask for personal contact outside agreed channels or keep secrets, and communication should include parents. (chscp.org.uk)

👉 Watch for warning signs

• If a tutor is reluctant to discuss safeguarding measures, provide references, or show identification and DBS documentation, that’s a red flag. (Single Central Record)

• Trust your instincts — if you or your child feels uncomfortable, consider stopping lessons and finding another tutor.

📘 2. Choosing the Right Tutor — Quality, Fit & Approach

🧑‍🏫 Qualifications and experience

• Tutors aren’t regulated like teachers — so experience, training and subject knowledge matter. They may not necessarily be qualified teachers, but you should feel confident in their ability to teach the material. (Boarding Schools Association)

• For specific exams (e.g., 11+, GCSEs, A-levels), choose tutors with relevant experience in that syllabus. (Boarding Schools Association)

• Ask questions about their teaching approach and how they assess and track progress. (Keystone Tutors)

🗣 Fit with your child

• A good personal rapport is hugely important — one-to-one tutoring works best when your child feels comfortable with the tutor. (Keystone Tutors)

• Arrange a trial session and review afterwards with your child. It’s okay to change tutors if the fit isn’t right. (Keystone Tutors)

🧾 References and reputation

• Word-of-mouth recommendations from other parents or school staff are often the best starting point. (Keystone Tutors)

• Agencies that vet and screen tutors can offer extra reassurance, but always check what screening they really undertake. (sfds.haringey.sch.uk)

🖥️ 3. Practical Pointers for Sessions

✔️ In-person tutoring

• Sessions should be in a neutral, well-supervised space — not your child’s bedroom. (chscp.org.uk)

• Keep sessions regular in pattern but always open to parental oversight. (chscp.org.uk)

✔️ Online tutoring

• Sit nearby during online lessons and ensure you can see what’s on the screen. (chscp.org.uk)

• Agree in advance whether sessions can be recorded, and avoid unsupervised access to private messaging or personal accounts. (chscp.org.uk)

📈 4. Work with Your Child and School

🤝 Collaborate with teachers

• Let your child’s teachers know you’ve hired a tutor, so they can coordinate support and avoid conflicting methods. (Ealing Grid for Learning)

🗣 Talk with your child

• Encourage honest feedback about how sessions are going — does the tutor explain clearly? Does your child feel supported? (Keystone Tutors)

🧩 Quick Checklist for Parents

✔ DBS check or vetting confirmation✔ At least two verified references✔ Confirm tutor experience and subject expertise✔ Clear session location and supervision plan✔ Agree boundaries and communication expectations✔ Regular progress updates back to parents