Wendy

In my private life, I have raised three children (triplets) who are all now studying at University and I am happy to say that I have had the help from many tutors along the way: my unprepared daughter announced a desire to take the eleven plus five weeks before the test; my `gifted` son was being unchallenged at school and my dyslexic son struggled to read and needed expert support. I know how frustrating it is when a child needs help but is unwilling to listen to the parents; as far as my children were concerned, despite being a very experienced teacher and able to help, I was actually their mum and knew nothing.

I am aware that many parents looking for tutors are often close to the point of desperation when they make the first move. Over the last few years, I have watched stress levels in parents diminish rapidly as they see that the steps that they have taken to help their child have an almost immediate effect, not only on their learning but also on their confidence and self-belief.

As part of my `tutoring package,’ I aim to include the parents every step of the way. I share initial assessments and listen to the parent’s concerns, direct them to quality material which will further support their child, provide homework to be completed during the week and give immediate feedback at the end of each session. Where I find gaps in a child`s learning, whilst taking measures to improve the child`s understanding, I report them to the parent so that they can be part of the improvement process.

During the recent Lockdown, I have met many parents who are extremely worried about the long-term impact upon their child. As an experienced primary school teacher, I am aware of the programmes of learning that are delivered in schools and what essential learning is needed to ensure gaps are not created. Where gaps have been created, due to my year`s of working on catch-up and booster programmes and accelerated learning, I have the experience required for rapid improvement.

I also have access to much high quality material that is used currently in schools and know and use all strategies that are considered best practice.

Availability: Due to the current Covid 19 situation, I have high level of availability and am extremely flexible with timing. I am prepared to tutor face to face as long as reasonable social distancing measures are put in place. I believe that young children need to develop a relationship with their teachers and this is best done in person.

Willing to travel: 12 miles

Experience: My 33 years of teaching experience has ensured that I have the knowledge and skills essential to reach a diverse range of students. I have taught in a variety of schools: from Inner city Liverpool to Leafy Cheshire. I have also taught across all year groups. During this time, I have taught students of differing abilities, from those going on to independent schools, to children with severe SEN who have needed the help of outside agencies.

I have a substantial amount of experience of working with children who have English as an additional language and worked alongside their parents to make sure that a lack of language did not prevent the children making progress in school, particularly in Maths.

I have taught the full Literacy and Maths curriculums for over 30 years and am aware of all of the requirements of the National Curriculum. I am also aware which current fads have high impacts on children’s learning and, fortunately, I am aware of those that are pretty much a waste of time.
I have experience of working in Year Two preparing children for their SATs in both Literacy and Maths and have worked with both More Able Year Six children and those children who have required more support, to ensure that they achieve.

I have a Master’s Primary Maths Specialist Teacher qualification and as Maths Lead in my current school, I am aware of all strategies used to teach children in every year group.
I have tutored children in my school for 11+, with 100% success rate in an area of high deprivation. This includes several EAL (English as an Additional Language) children who have ended up excelling at grammar school.

My tutoring experience also includes working with children in lower KS2, to provide catch-up support where gaps have been caused due to Dyslexia and ADHD.