Finding the right tutor for your child is not easy. Whilst all tutors should have the knowledge of the 11+, and the material used, finding a tutors whose personality would work best for your child can make all the difference. Below is a checklist of things to look for and consider when making a decision of which tutor to send your child to.
1. Ask friends or family for recommendations
If you know someone who has sent their child to an 11+ tutor before they will often be more than willing to share their views and opinions. Asking other parents at the school gate to see if anyone has starting looking into 11+ tuition is another great way to get ideas of who is out there. Parents who have experiences (positive or negative) of working with an 11+ tutor are more than happy to share these. This is the best way to start your search.
2. Check out the websites
The next step is to look at the websites of the possible 11+ tutors in your area. Whilst many tutors do not give much away on their websites, especially prices, you can often get a feel of the tutor from their website. Do they focus on results, or developing your child as a whole? Do they offer tuition on a one-to-one basis, or is it as part of a group? What days of the week do they offer tuition, and is it in a location which is accessible for you? All of these points can help you narrow down which tutors to contact.
3. Making contact
Emailing or calling a tutor is the next step. Tutors are more willing to send additional information about the course if you have contacted them. You will also be able to find out about pricing structures and how they run their courses. This is also the best way to gain an understanding of the tutors philosophy and if this matches up with your expectations. You can even ask to meet with a tutor in person.
Something to consider: Are pass rates everything?
The sole reason for putting your child in for 11+ tuition is in the hope that they will pass the 11+. This makes logical sense, but the pass rates of the tutor may not be the best indication of their suitableness for your child. Having a supportive tutor who dedicates their time to improving your child’s confidence and academic ability may be more suitable than a tutor who focuses solely on passing the 11+.
Conclusion
Selecting an 11+ tutor for your child is a big decision. Your child needs to feel safe and supported in an environment where they can flourish. Your child will be spending upwards of 2 hours per week with a tutor, plus having 2 or more hours homework per week. You need to make sure that the tutor has your child’s best interests at heart, and it needs to be someone that your child can relate to and want to put in effort for.
Our suggestion is to do your research and speak to a number of tutors if you wish, until you find one that is best suited for your child. Finding an 11+ tutor who can help your child academically, but also develop as a person is one of the best decisions that you can make as a parent.
More information
For information of how we could help your child as they prepare to take the 11+ please visit our website at www.headstart11plus.co.uk or contact us at headstart11plus@yahoo.com