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Primary education

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Childcare/tutoring combo? What have people done during COVID?

8 replies

Echobelly · 08/06/2020 08:59

Wondering what sort of solutions people are using for looking after/ while helping their kids' learning at home? Has anyone got in a tutor in for quite long stretches during the day for their child? Or used a nanny/babysitter and asked them to help tutoring? I know they're not the same thing at all but I'm wondering what people have done, have they used agencies or asked around locally for a young person willing to do it?

Wondering about this for DS (8) at least for 'summer holidays' - we'll have to keep up learning as there won't be much else to do and he is somewhat behind (pending diagnosis on ADHD) and then if he doesn't go back to school in September or not ft (I'm assuming even best case is going to be a few days a week) we might want to keep them on to help. This is all dependent on DH work situation - he is on a well-paid contract at the moment, but it's only short unless the project they are trialling is taken on by their client, but if he does keep working on it after the end of this month, we could definitely afford to take someone on to do it. DS doesn't have any behavioural problems, so he's not super challenging or anything, he's just inattentive and needs someone patient.

I'm working FT from home, like DH, but having to do all the stuff with DS because DH's role is much more relentless than mine and he has no leeway at all. But it's also become clear that DD (nearly 12) needs more support than we thought so it is all getting quite a lot for me

OP posts:
lightningstrikes · 08/06/2020 19:12

I am making enquiries with tutors for weekly Maths and English support for my two (8 & 10) to get us through the summer and considering enrolling in an online school if the disruption carries on past September. They need taught Maths and English classes, White Rose and Bitesize for English just aren't doing it. Their school has been brilliant, but they are all now teaching the years that are back to school. We are both working from home and while we can keep them on a schedule, we aren't always available to answer questions and work through it with them. They need a human teacher who can be focused with them. I am very aware how lucky we are to have the option of hiring in extra support.

Grobagsforever · 08/06/2020 19:18

I've been paying my 16 year old babysitter 3 hours a day to guide the learning of my 9 and 5 year old/provide them some attention. Works well.

Don't fall for man crap about his job being relentless and he can't help though. Every single woman I know has combined WFH and childcare, whereas many, many men have just opted out. I refuse to believe they all have special little flower jobs. So bored of that crap. Women find a way, always and without exception

Echobelly · 08/06/2020 22:03

It pretty honestly is the case that DH can't help here - he is basically on the phone almost all day project managing that's not him telling me that, that's me seeing it - and my job is not like that. He does help when he has breaks, but he can't even tell when those will be and they are very short (and sometimes because of that his 'help' isn't that helpful!) so yes, I do have to carry the weight. He's also on a short contract, as I said, and paid by the day with no sick leave, holiday etc. If he is out of work he will take over entirely, but right now & or if they extend the contract I do have to do most of the work. But the upside of it is if he does stay, we can pay someone.

For care/tutoring most likely I'd ask around for someone from Nextdoor who is happy tp go through some work every day - probably not a full day but 3-4 hours max would be a big help, or we might look into the costs of a tutor. I"m not sure online tutoring would work with DS, maybe on a 1:1 basis, as his attention does go all over the place!

OP posts:
Annaonline · 15/06/2020 03:13

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LeedsYummyMummy · 14/01/2021 20:51

Just seen the posts about tutoring combo and my DD (10) is in a state primary as we are both key workers. Me PT and DP FT and I homeschool on my days off. I am not a teacher and my daughter was refusing to do some of the work with me which made it stressful so I decided to employ a tutor via Judy at West Yorkshire Tutors and it was the best decision ever. The tutor is fab, my daughter listens and takes note, it takes the added pressure off us and it really is a win win sitation as I was struggling to work, run a house and home school. Appreciate not everyone can afford this but we see it as excellent value and an investment so it works for us. Hope helps

Frogusha · 14/01/2021 21:58

I’m getting a nanny to supervise online learning for my Reception age DD. Started because it’s free back up care provided through work but works so well (she achieves much more with the nanny than with me and with no wingding) I think I might actually pay for it once the free sessions finish! My older DD is doing fine by herself and doing at least as much as at school through online classes.

coronacohort · 15/01/2021 10:32

My children are older now but the tutor I used for 11+ has just launched a daily hour long small group online session for each of years 1-6, which could be really useful if school provision is lacking. Website is www.laidlaweducation.co.uk if anyone is interested. I take my hat off to those of you with young children, I really do.

coronacohort · 15/01/2021 10:40

Sorry correct link should have been www.laidlaweducation.co.uk/virtual-academy

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