Choosing the Perfect Primary School Tutor: A Parent’s Guide

Finding the right primary school tutor can be a game-changer for your child’s education. Whether your child needs extra support to keep up, or they’re excelling and need a greater challenge, a great tutor can make all the difference. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect tutor for your child? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider and share expert insights to help you make the best choice.

Why Your Child May Need a Tutor

Before we dive into choosing a private tutor, let’s first understand why your child may benefit from one. Every child learns at their own pace and sometimes classroom environments don’t provide the personalised attention they need. A primary tutor offers tailored learning, helping your child master the fundamentals in primary Maths and English. This ensures that they stay on track and build a strong foundation for future learning in high school.

What are the common learning obstacles?

We're created a short table below that highlights common learning obstacles faced by Year 2-6 primary school students that we've taught over the years in both Maths and English:

To target your child's specific learning obstacles, a tutor can help them build confidence, develop a positive attitude towards learning and address areas that may need more attention. This is crucial at this age as children in primary school as beginning to develop their self-esteem and feeling confident in their abilities can lead to long-term success.

Key Qualities to Look for in a Primary School Tutor

1. Patience and understanding

Patience is a must when working with young learners. Primary school students often have shorter attention spans, so it’s important to find a tutor for young children who understands how to keep them engaged while being mindful of their developmental needs.

A good tutor will take time to assess your child’s learning style and pace, ensuring that they’re not overwhelmed or frustrated. They should be able to explain concepts in simple terms and be willing to revisit topics until they’re fully understood.

2. Experience working with young students

When selecting a tutor, it’s important to choose someone who specialises in working with primary-aged children (ages 6-11). The way a primary school student learns is vastly different from a high school or university student. A private primary school tutor with experience in this age group will know how to keep lessons engaging and interactive, all while building a healthy study habit that will benefit your child as they grow older.

3. Focus on confidence building

At this stage in your child’s education, it’s not just about mastering content — it’s also about building self-confidence. Look for a primary education tutor who recognises the importance of positive reinforcement and encouragement. This not only helps your child feel good about their progress but also fosters a positive attitude towards learning that will benefit them throughout their academic journey.

4. Tutoring qualifications

Ensure the tutor has a valid Working with Children Check. This certification ensures the tutor is legally cleared to work with young children, providing you peace of mind. Additionally, it’s important that the tutor is familiar with the curriculum your child is following. A tutor who understands the curriculum can align their lessons with what your child is learning in school, which helps reinforce classroom teaching and ensure consistency in learning.

Benefits of Having a Tutor Early On

1. Mastering the fundamentals

Primary school is when children develop the essential skills they’ll rely on throughout their education. A strong understanding of reading, writing and Maths sets the stage for future success. A private primary tutor can help ensure that your child has a solid grasp of these foundational skills, preventing gaps in their learning.

2. Long-term confidence in learning

Children who receive tutoring early in their education often show a noticeable increase in self-confidence. This is crucial, as self-belief plays a huge role in academic achievement. When children believe they can succeed, they’re more likely to embrace new challenges with enthusiasm and determination.

3. Easier transition to high school

A primary tutor can also make the transition to high school smoother. As your child approaches the later years of primary school, they’ll be preparing for a more rigorous academic environment. A primary school tutor can help develop strong study habits, master fundamental skills and build confidence, making high school less overwhelming.

Getting Started with Primary Tutoring

Starting with a primary school tutor can feel like a big step, but with the right approach, you can ensure it’s a positive experience for both you and your child. Here are some important steps to help you get started on the right foot:

1. Start with a trial session

Before committing to a long-term tutoring arrangement, it's a good idea to schedule a trial session. This gives both you and your child the opportunity to see how the tutor works and whether their teaching style is a good fit. A trial lesson also allows the tutor to assess your child’s needs and determine the best way to support their learning.

2. Ask your child how they felt about the lesson

After the trial session, take some time to ask your child how they felt about the lesson.

Did they feel comfortable with the tutor? Did they enjoy the lesson? Were they able to understand the material in a new way?

Your child’s feedback is crucial in determining if the tutor is a good match for their learning style and personality.

3. Collaborate with Your Tutor to Target Specific Areas

Communication with the tutor is key to your child’s success. Work closely with your primary school tutor to identify the specific areas where your child needs support, whether it’s reading comprehension, writing structure or basic Maths operations. Regular check-ins with the tutor ensure that the tutoring sessions remain focused on the areas where your child needs the most help.

By following these steps, you’ll create a solid foundation for your child’s tutoring journey, making the experience productive and enjoyable for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How would you select a tutor?

When selecting a tutor, consider their qualifications, experience with primary school students and how well they connect with your child. It’s important to choose someone who can engage your child and make learning enjoyable while addressing their specific needs.

How do you know if a tutor is good?

A good tutor is patient, experienced and supportive. They will also have a solid track record of helping students succeed. Look for someone with positive references, experience in primary tuition and a teaching approach that aligns with your child’s learning style.

How do I find the right tutor for me?

To find the right tutor, start by assessing your child’s needs. Look for a tutor with relevant qualifications, experience with your child’s age group, and an approach that fosters both academic growth and confidence building.

How often should they receive tutoring?

For primary school years, we recommend a minimum of 45-60 minutes of tutoring support per school subject every week. This provides enough consistency for your child to receive the help that they need to keep up to date with schoolwork, practice their skills and learn new topics. Of course, this depends on your child's specific learning style and goals so it's a good idea to assess things as you go.

What age is best to get a tutor?

It’s never too early to get a tutor, but primary school is an ideal time. At this age, children are developing foundational skills in reading writing, and Maths. A primary school tutor can help ensure they build strong skills and healthy study habits early on so that they can excel in their high school years.