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Your First Lesson with a Tutor

Setting the Scene

Tutorial sessions take place in a separate quiet room in your home if possible so that tutor and tutee can work without disturbance. This said, we would suggest as good practice that the door be left ajar and that parent or guardian pop in to see how things are going. This is reassuring for all concerned. A parent or guardian should always be present in the home during a tutorial session.

If you have arranged to go to the tutor's home, please think safety first and ensure that the tutee does not visit alone until comfortable with the tutor.

Before your First Lesson

It is helpful to think about what you like/dislike about your subject so the tutor can discuss your needs.

We recommend all parents or tutees to ask to see any qualifications the tutor has declared in the first lesson. If the tutor has a CRB check or has said they can offer references ask to see these as well in the first lesson. We advise tutors to expect this request.

First Session

  • Is an opportunity for you to see how you get along with the tutor.
  • The tutor will want to talk through your subject with you.
  • The tutor will do some exercises with you to stretch you and understand your learning style.

As your Tutorial Sessions Progress

  • Don't be afraid to ask your tutor to raise or ease the pace or difficulty of sessions.
  • If you would like to change anything about the sessions (content, structure) just mention it to your tutor.
  • Help other parents and tutees by providing feedback about your tutor through First Tutors.