Anne

I trained as a teacher in 1984, although my specific interest in helping children with reading and spelling difficulties brought me into the world of tutoring just 8 years ago. As a classroom teacher, I realised that the average teacher did not have sufficient time in the day to give the extra hours of help required to children who were struggling with English or maths.

I also became aware that many parents were having difficulty getting the right support for their children in school, particularly in the area of dyslexia (or suspected dyslexia), often due to a lack of specialist knowledge. Unfortunately there was (and still is) no mandatory minimum level of Dyslexia/SpLD training on Initial Teacher Training courses.

However, I found that by devoting a relatively short time to these children on a one-to-one basis that they could learn to read well, improving their writing and maths at the same time and that this then had a hugely positive effect on their ability to do well at school.
I started to see children, who had struggled at school for so long, begin to do really well.
I was delighted recently when one of my 11 year old pupils (probably dyslexic, although undiagnosed) increased her reading age by 2.5 years in just 6 months and increased her maths scores from 35% to 75% (mainly because she could now read the questions). She was taken out of the one-to-one classes at school that she had had for years because, as the school said, "she didn't need them anymore".
As a result of her success, and that of others, I have designed and now regularly use, a complete step-by-step programme for children who are finding reading and spelling difficult.

In addition to my specialist work, I teach English and maths to children who require some support or extra confidence in their schoolwork.

Tutoring Experience

As well as being a primary school teacher, teaching all ages from Reception to Y6, I have tutored numerous children.

I tutor in the following specific areas:
• Maths and English for children aged 6-11 (KS1 and KS2).
Preparation for 11+ and entrance exams.

• Specialist help for dyslexic children
• Specialist help for children who may be dyslexic (but are so far undiagnosed).

Tutoring Approach

Parents of my pupils say that I am a very calm and patient tutor.

Every child is taught using the strategies that suit them best - I often teach in a multi-sensory way which helps many of my pupils to learn well.

I work together with the parent and child to create an individual learning plan with monthly goals. This approach seems to appeal to my pupils as they can see (and colour in!) their continuing progress on a week by week basis.