Tuition: How to choose a tutor

Ask a teacher
A good way to start your search for the right tuition is to approach your child's teacher. Ask them if they think extra tuition is a good idea and, if so, can they recommend someone? Alternatively, if you know someone whose children are already having tuition, ask if they would recommend their tutor.

Check qualifications
You should expect at least a university degree, possibly also a teaching qualification, of someone offering tuition. Ask to see any relevant tuition certificates, diplomas and so on as proof of the tutor's experience and qualifications. Feel free to ask for references and testimonials, and to follow them up.

Check teaching experience
Depending on the subject, tuition is often done by someone who is or has been a schoolteacher. On the other hand, if you want tuition for your child in a specialist subject then a non-teaching expert in that field may be just as able. For tuition in a foreign language, for example, a native speaker, interpreter or translator might be ideal for the job, even if they don't have a formal teaching qualification.

State your aims and goals
You'll need to know what syllabus your child is following and which level or exam you want the tuition to help them reach or pass. Explain, too, any particular problems or concerns you or your child has.

Discuss teaching methods
The tuition should involve a plan of work based on the information you have given them, but a tutor should be flexible, willing and able to adapt to their pupil's needs as the tuition progresses.

Communication counts
No matter how many degrees a tutor might have, for effective tuition it's important that they can communicate with their students, make them enthusiastic about their subject and motivate them to work hard.

Look for ability to teach and patience
It might sound obvious, but good tuition means being able to get a subject across in a way that a student can pick up quickly. Good tuition also means being patient with students.

Arrange an introductory lesson
The best way to discover if they're right for your tuition needs is to try them out. Once you find a potential tutor, arrange an introductory tuition session.