FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I know if my child needs a tutor?
Every child is unique. Some children benefit from extra support to build confidence or fill learning gaps, while others need stretching and challenge. If you’ve noticed your child losing confidence, finding schoolwork difficult or unmotivating, or simply not enjoying learning as much as they used to, tuition can make a real difference.
2. What subjects do you cover?
We offer one-to-one tuition from reception to primary and up to KS3. We teach subjects from reading, writing, mathematics and even art. We also provide focused support for SATs, 11+ preparation, and home education.
Our sessions are always tailored to your child’s needs, so learning feels relevant and engaging. Wherever possible, we intertwine elements of the national curriculum in creative ways - for example, exploring history through reading, using art to spark ideas for writing, or a game that weaves in a particular maths skill. This cross-curricular approach makes learning feel more meaningful and enjoyable.
3. Where do the sessions take place?
We offer both online and in-person tuition. Many families love the flexibility of online learning, while others prefer the face-to-face connection of in-person sessions. Face-to-face sessions currently take place in your home. In the near future, we will have a dedicated learning facility, giving families another flexible option. Wherever the setting, we’ll make sure your child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.
4. How long are the sessions, and how often should my child attend?
Most sessions last 60 minutes, though this can be adapted to 30 minutes for younger children or specific needs. We offer weekly lessons during term time, with an allocated time slot and space reserved just for your child. During half terms and
holidays, there’s more flexibility - some families prefer to pause for a break, while others book extra sessions, especially around SATs or the 11+ exams.
6. What if my child is shy or lacks confidence?
That’s exactly where one-to-one tuition can make the biggest difference. In a calm and safe space, your child has the freedom to ask questions, feel comfortable about make mistakes, and learn at their own pace without the pressures of a busy
classroom. We take time to build trust and rapport, so your child knows they are supported, and we are kind and approachable. With time and encouragement, their confidence grows and so does their learning.
5. How will I know my child is making progress?
We keep communication open and honest. After each session, we’ll update you on what your child has achieved and what we’ll be working on next. Alongside this, we use a mixture of formal assessments and ongoing teacher assessment to track progress carefully and make sure learning is moving in the right direction.
Over time, you’ll notice your child’s confidence grow, progress within their school work, and their attitude towards learning become more positive. Many parents tell us that the biggest change they see is not just academic progress, but their child’s
renewed excitement for learning and self-belief within themselves.
8. Who will be teaching my child?
All of our tutors are qualified teachers with QTS status, achieved through a PGCE or other teacher training routes. Together, we have over 25 years of combined teaching and tutoring experience. All tutors are DBS-checked, fully insured, and Study with Sophie is a proud member of The Tutors’ Association. Most importantly, we share the same passion for creating a safe, supportive environment for learning where every child feels confident, valued, and inspired to learn.
9. Do you provide resources?
Yes - we provide all the resources your child needs for their sessions, from carefully chosen activities to focused practice materials for areas like SATs or the 11+.
Everything is tailored to your child’s learning style and level, so they always have the right tools to succeed. Parents don’t need to worry about buying extra books or resources — we bring everything needed to make learning effective and engaging.
For online sessions, we use Zoom to connect, and all your child needs is a notepad and pen. Any additional resources are shared digitally, so everything is simple and stress-free.
7. What if my child doesn’t like learning or doesn’t want tuition?
It’s not unusual for children to feel reluctant if they’ve lost confidence within their learning and it hasn’t felt enjoyable in the past. Our approach is different. We start by building a positive relationship, finding out what interests your child, and weaving this
into their sessions. Lessons are designed to be engaging, interactive, and encouraging, so learning feels less like a chore and more like something they can enjoy. Often, the biggest change parents see is their child discovering that learning can actually be fun.
10. How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. First, complete our enquiry form below. From there, we’ll have a friendly chat to learn more about your child, their needs, and your goals. We’ll recommend the best approach and match your child with the right tutor. Your child’s first session will focus on building rapport, assessing their starting point, and making sure they feel comfortable. From then on, we’ll create a personalised learning plan to
support their progress every step of the way.
Still have questions? Get in touch by completing our enquiry form —
we’d love to chat and see how we can support your child’s learning journey.
