FAQs

Do you offer face-to-face and online tuition?

I mainly offer online tuition, though do carry out some face-to-face tuition local to Dunstable, UK. The most suitable option depends on the needs, preferences and circumstances of each learner.

Face-to-face tuition allows for in-person interaction and the use of physical manipulatives and resources to support mathematical understanding. Online tuition is just as effective and offers greater flexibility, removes travel time and allows learners to access support from the comfort of their own home. For some learners who experience anxiety, school-related stress or find unfamiliar environments challenging, learning online from a familiar setting can help them feel more comfortable and ready to engage.

If you are unsure which option would be most suitable, we can discuss this before starting tuition.

Do you provide tutoring for learners in mainstream education or those without additional needs?

Yes! I work with learners both with and without SEND.

My SEND experience is useful with all learners because it has taught me how to explain maths in different ways, break difficult ideas into manageable steps and quickly identify where a learner may be getting stuck. This means I can adapt my teaching to suit the individual and find an approach that works for them.

What experience do you have supporting children with SEND?

I have over 15 years of experience working in special education and have supported children and young people with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

My experience includes supporting learners with dyscalculia, autism (including PDA profiles), ADHD, dyslexia, developmental language disorder (DLD), moderate and severe learning difficulties, speech and language needs, social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, trauma, anxiety and emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA).

My experience has taught me that while a diagnosis can help us to understand a learner's needs, it does not define who they are or how they learn. The most effective support comes from understanding each individual’s strengths, experiences and preferences, whilst working in partnership with the learner and their family to find an approach that works for them.

Can specialist tuition cure dyscalculia or other learning difficulties?

No. Conditions such as dyscalculia, ADHD and autism are not something that can be cured and tuition is not a quick fix.

However, specialist tuition can help learners understand their difficulties, develop effective strategies, improve confidence and make progress. With the correct support, many learners are able to overcome barriers that have previously affected their learning.

What is a diagnostic maths assessment and does my child need one?

A diagnostic maths assessment looks beyond whether a learner can answer questions correctly. It explores how they approach mathematical tasks and identifies specific strengths, areas of difficulty and possible barriers to learning.

The assessment considers areas such as number sense, mathematical reasoning, working memory, processing speed, mathematical language and problem-solving. This provides a clearer understanding of a learner's mathematical profile and helps identify the most effective teaching approaches.

Not every learner requires a diagnostic assessment before starting tuition. However, it can be particularly helpful for learners who have persistent difficulties with maths, are making limited progress despite support or where there are concerns about dyscalculia or other learning difficulties. The information gained ensures tuition is targeted towards the learner's specific needs.

Do you support children who do not have a diagnosis?

Yes, of course! A formal diagnosis is not required to access specialist tuition.

Many learners experience difficulties with maths but have not had a formal assessment. Others may be waiting for an assessment or have difficulties that have been identified by parents or school.

Teaching is based on the learner's individual strengths, needs and goals rather than a diagnosis alone.

How long will it take before I see progress?

Every learner progresses at a different rate.

Many parents notice early improvements in confidence, engagement and willingness to attempt maths. Developing secure mathematical understanding can take longer, particularly where there are significant gaps in learning or specific learning difficulties.

Progress is monitored throughout tuition and parents are kept informed about areas of improvement and next steps.

Do you provide progress updates?

Yes. Parents receive regular feedback about their child's progress and the areas being worked on.

Written reports can also be provided where required, including for schools, local authorities or other organisations funding tuition.

What is included in the cost of tuition sessions?

The session fee covers more than the teaching time itself. Every session is planned in advance and adapted to your child's individual needs and progress.

The cost includes:

Individual lesson planning and preparation
Teaching resources and learning materials
Activities tailored to your child's strengths and areas of need
Ongoing assessment to monitor progress and identify next steps
Regular feedback for parents
Communication with schools or other professionals where appropriate and with your consent
Time spent reviewing each session and planning future lessons

There are no additional charges for planning, preparation or routine communication with parents.

What do you specialise in?

I am a qualified specialist teacher registered as an Accredited Teacher of Dyscalculia (ATD) with the British Dyslexia Association and an Associate Member of PATOSS. This means I have specialist knowledge of how dyscalculia and mathematical learning difficulties can affect learning and how to use evidence-informed approaches to support learners.

My specialist training also informs my wider work with learners with SEND, particularly in understanding how areas such as processing, working memory, cognition and learning can affect progress across the curriculum. This helps me to identify barriers to learning, adapt teaching appropriately and provide structured support in subjects including, but not limited to, maths and English.

In maths, tuition focusses on identifying gaps in understanding, developing secure mathematical foundations and teaching strategies that help learners overcome specific barriers. Sessions also aim to reduce maths anxiety, develop confidence and help learners approach mathematical tasks more independently.

Why choose a qualified specialist teacher instead of a general tutor?

A qualified specialist teacher has advanced knowledge of learning difficulties and specialist teaching approaches that go beyond subject knowledge alone. They are trained to use evidence-informed strategies to support areas such as mathematical understanding, processing skills, working memory, mathematical language and problem-solving.

Specialist teachers can also use standardised assessments and diagnostic tools to explore a learner's strengths and areas of difficulty, including specific mathematical skills and wider cognitive factors that may influence learning. This information helps to identify appropriate teaching approaches and ensure support is targeted to the learner's individual profile.

Which age groups, subjects and levels do you tutor?

I primarily provide tuition in mathematics from Key Stage 1 through to Key Stage 4, including Foundation GCSE.

I also provide tuition in English, though first would discuss your tuition needs in depth in case I feel that a literacy/dyslexia specialist might be more appropriate.

I also offer mentoring and educational support for learners who are disengaged from education, experiencing emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) or who are currently not attending school. Support can focus on rebuilding confidence, re-engaging with learning and preparing for a return to education where appropriate.

Can I get help paying for specialist tuition?

Depending on your circumstances, there may be different ways to access funding or support.

Possible sources include:

School funding, including SEND Support or Pupil Premium
Support identified through an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
Alternative Provision arranged by schools or local authorities
Local authority inclusion or outreach services
Relevant charities or grant schemes

How long does tuition usually last?

The length of tuition depends on the learner's needs, starting point and goals.

Some learners benefit from short-term support to address specific areas, while others need longer-term support to build secure foundations and confidence.

Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure tuition continues to focus on the areas where support is most needed.

Do you work with schools and SENCOs?

Yes, where appropriate and with parental consent.

Communication with schools can help ensure tuition complements existing support and classroom learning. I can liaise with teachers, SENCOs and other professionals to share relevant information and strategies.

What happens during the first tuition session?

The first session is used to get to know the learner, understand their current strengths and identify areas where they may need support.

This may include discussion, observation and assessment activities. The aim is to understand how the learner approaches maths and use this information to plan future sessions.