What Are the Signs My Child Might Benefit From a Tutor?

What are the most common signs a child might benefit from tutoring?

The clearest sign is a pattern that lasts for weeks rather than a single bad test or difficult evening. LoveMaths Tutoring UK suggests parents watch for these:

• Homework in one subject regularly takes far longer than it should, or ends in tears
• Your child says they "can't do" or "hate" a subject they used to manage
• School reports or parents' evenings mention gaps, or a target that is not being met
• Your child missed a stretch of school, through illness or a move, and never quite caught up
• A big step is coming up, such as SATs, the eleven plus, GCSEs or the move to secondary school

None of these signs means something is wrong with the child. They usually point to a specific gap that one to one teaching can target directly.

Which signs show up in homework and schoolwork?

Homework is often where gaps show first, because a child is working without a teacher to prompt them. LoveMaths Tutoring UK suggests looking at the work itself, not just the marks:

• Maths: counting on fingers for basic facts in upper KS2, skipping questions with fractions or negative numbers, or copying methods without knowing why they work
• English: very short written answers, difficulty finding evidence in a text, or reading aloud that is noticeably slow or hesitant
• Science: getting stuck on calculations or graphs in science, even when the science idea itself is understood

Repeated identical mistakes are especially worth noticing. They usually mean a misunderstanding has been learned, rather than a slip.

Are there emotional signs that my child is struggling?

Yes, and they can appear before any change in marks. LoveMaths Tutoring UK suggests watching for avoidance and worry around one subject in particular:

• Putting off homework in one subject while finishing the others
• Saying "I'm just not a maths person" or "I'm rubbish at English"
• Headaches or reluctance to go to school on days with a particular lesson
• Becoming upset when asked to explain how they got an answer

A calm, low-pressure conversation is a good first step. Ask which part of the subject feels hardest, rather than whether the whole subject is going well.

When is the right time to start tutoring?

The most effective time to start tutoring is usually as soon as a gap is noticed, because gaps in subjects like maths tend to widen as new topics build on old ones. LoveMaths Tutoring UK works with students from KS2 to A Level, so support can start at whatever stage the gap appears.

Tutoring is not only for children who are struggling. Families also look for one to one support to prepare for a specific milestone, such as eleven plus preparation, KS2 SATs, GCSEs or a GCSE resit, or because a child is home educated or has special educational needs and benefits from teaching built around them.

How can I find out where my child's gaps are?

An assessment is the most reliable way to find specific gaps, because it shows exactly which skills are secure and which are not. LoveMaths Tutoring UK offers a free online assessment on its website that parents can use as a starting point.

Every student who starts lessons with LoveMaths Tutoring UK also has a prior assessment before their first session, and lessons are then planned around what that assessment shows. This means lessons are shaped by the gaps the assessment identifies, rather than by a fixed course that is the same for everyone.

What does tutoring with LoveMaths Tutoring UK involve?

LoveMaths Tutoring UK provides one to one online tuition in maths, English and science. The key details are:

• Lessons run over Zoom, one to one
• Each session lasts one hour
• Each student works with a single tutor for their subject
• Lessons are planned around a prior assessment of the student

Parents can read more about how tutoring works or enquire about lessons.