What am I looking for in a private tutor - 7 yr old in English

[bacon]

I've given up with my mediocre teaching at our school, so many parents who had children there have slatted the teaching and attitude when you show some concerns is too wishy-washy. Their recent Istyn report was "acceptable". Its a nice school and DS1 has some lovely friends. There are no good schools around either I can think of an alternative I can only see additional tuitoring the only option. His current teacher yr 2 hasnt a good reputation either and is on the sick alot. This is really concerning me. DS1 hasnt progressed at all in spelling or reading to a point where he wont do any homework and I see this as a slippery slope at this age.

I've seen a few tutors on websites but unsure how you rate them? I am looking for someone who can also assess his ability and tell me where his edcation is failing and if necessary report back to the school.

If anyone has done this how quick do you see an improvement (he is bright) I'm not concerned over the cost either.

I do need to drop him off as its not quiet enough here and younger siblings.

[LaFataTurchina]

Hello, I've done a bit of primary school age tutoring so I'll try to help.

First of all, is he engaged/does he like school work? The tutor's approach will probably be a bit different if their main focus is just trying to get him to engage again (so lots of games, things that might not initially look like 'work').

Personally, I'd want to know what the tutor (if youngish) got in their English and Maths GCSEs. For primary school tutoring I'd want someone with a good understanding of the basics like grammar, long division etc. I'd also not be too fussed on whether they are a qualified teacher or not. Sometimes teachers get a bit too stuck on the doing things the 'right' way, and won't be as adventurous in trying new things.

I think you should be able to see some improvements within a term.

Hope this helps :)

[RaisinBoys]

DS1 hasnt progressed at all in spelling or reading to a point where he wont do any homework and I see this as a slippery slope at this age

I can't see how a tutor is going to make any difference to whether your son does his homework, or are you expecting said Tutor to do the homework with him?

At 7, for literacy, you should be encouraging your child to read a lot (find out what he is interested in and get a selection of reading matter). Take him to the library, or as cost is not an issue, the bookshop and give him time and space to choose books he would like to read. Read with him and to him - get hime to read to you regularly. Ask him questions about the text, e.g. see if he can work out what is going to happen next, how he thinks characters are feeling etc. Reading widely will also help with spelling and his own writing.

Unsure whether your state or private but speak to his teacher about his progress - if you don't get a satisfactory response then speak with a member of the senior leadership team (make an appointment). The school should be able to show you your DS's current level and his projected progress. If he is not making progress the school should be able to talk you through the strategies they will employ to make sure he can catch up.

Paying a recent graduate to do spellings with your son is obviously your choice but most of the work a 7 year old is covering in literacy is do-able at home.

Sorry for long post - but a tutor is not the first resort!

[RaisinBoys]

I am looking for someone who can also assess his ability and tell me where his edcation is failing and if necessary report back to the school

Would love to be a fly on the wall when that "report" lands on the teacher's desk!