Are online tutoring classes effective for children with parental supervision?

[LettersandWords]

Kids can learn well online if monitored by their parents. Who seeks online classes for their kids?

Why?

huh?

Yes, as long as the parent isn't a distraction, it can be helpful to have the parent supervising to ensure focus

I've written an article on this whole 'Online Vs In-person tutoring' debate, but essentially it comes down to Pre-2020, tutoring was overwhelmingly in-person. The pandemic shift to online accelerated a model that was already growing, and it's stuck. As of 2025-2026, online tutoring is the default at GCSE and A-level for many UK students, with in-person retained for younger children and specific situations.
However - The single most important framing: tutor quality matters more than format. A strong online tutor delivers better outcomes than a mediocre in-person tutor. Don't pick format first; pick tutor first, and let format follow.

I'm not convinced about this. We had a specialist tutor for DS in Y12 who was over an hour’s drive away. He offered online tutoring but DS found the sessions at the tutor's home much more engaging so we did the drive.

Same at work. Lots of Teams meetings, but anything more complex is in the office.