Finding the right tutor for your child can feel like a big decision, and it is. A good tutor does far more than deliver subject knowledge; they build confidence, fill gaps and help your child develop lasting study habits. But the relationship only works when it suits your child’s personality, learning style and goals. Before you commit, use the questions below to guide a frank conversation with any potential tutor. The answers will tell you whether the arrangement suits your child.

Begin with Your Child’s Needs and Goals

Before you speak to tutors, spend a few minutes clarifying what you actually want. Is your child struggling with a specific topic, preparing for GCSEs or A-levels, sitting an 11+ entrance exam, or simply needing to rebuild confidence after a tricky year? Then ask each tutor how they would approach your situation.

• What experience do you have supporting children with similar needs to mine?
• How would you describe your teaching style, and how do you adapt it for different learners?
• What do you think is the most important thing to achieve in the first few weeks?
• How do you keep sessions engaging for a child who loses focus easily?

A tutor who listens carefully and asks their own questions is usually a good sign. Be wary of anyone who offers a generic plan before understanding your child.

Experience, Qualifications and Subject Knowledge

Experience matters, but so does the right kind of experience. Ask whether the tutor is a qualified teacher with QTS, a subject specialist, or a postgraduate in the relevant field. If your child is preparing for public exams, ask about familiarity with the specific exam board, such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC. Exam techniques and mark schemes vary, and a tutor who knows them well can make a real difference.

• What qualifications do you hold, and are they relevant to this subject and level?
• How long have you been tutoring, and how many students have you helped through similar exams?
• Can you provide references from recent families?
• Have you worked with children who have SEND, dyslexia, or anxiety around learning?

Do not be afraid to ask for evidence. A professional tutor will expect these questions and answer them openly.

Safeguarding and Practical Arrangements

Safeguarding should never be an afterthought. If tutoring takes place in your home, online, or in a public library, you need to know that your child is safe. In the UK, any tutor working with children should have an enhanced DBS check, and many will also have safeguarding training. Ask about their policy for online sessions, including how they record lessons, whether sessions are recorded, and what platform they use.

• Do you have an enhanced DBS certificate, and can I see it?
• Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
• What is your safeguarding policy, and how do you handle a concern?
• For online tutoring, what steps do you take to keep sessions private and secure?
• What are your fees, cancellation terms, and payment methods?

Also discuss practical details: where sessions will happen, whether a parent should be nearby, and how much notice you need to cancel. Clear boundaries protect everyone.

Teaching Methods and Session Structure

Good tutoring is not just talking at a child. Ask how the tutor plans lessons, assesses understanding, and adjusts their approach. A typical session might include a recap, direct teaching, guided practice, independent work, and feedback. But the best structure depends on your child’s age and needs.

• How do you decide what to cover in each session?
• What resources and materials do you use, and are they included in the fee?
• How do you check that my child has understood before moving on?
• How do you build confidence and reduce exam anxiety?
• What happens if my child is not responding to your methods?

Ask for a sample plan or a description of a recent lesson. Specific examples are more reassuring than general promises.

Progress Updates and Communication

You should not have to guess whether tutoring is working. Ask how progress will be measured, how often you will receive updates, and in what form. Some tutors provide written reports each half-term; others prefer a brief chat after each session. Neither is automatically better, but it must suit you.

• How will you track progress towards our goals?
• How often will you update me, and will you share examples of work?
• Will you communicate with my child’s school or other professionals, if needed?
• What signs would tell you that we should change approach or stop tutoring?

Also agree on how you will raise concerns. A tutor who welcomes feedback and adjusts accordingly is worth their weight in gold.

Trial Sessions, Fees and Commitment

Before committing to a block of lessons, ask about a trial session. This gives your child a chance to meet the tutor and see how they feel. It also lets you observe the tutor’s manner and check that the practical arrangements work.

• Do you offer a trial session, and is it charged at the normal rate?
• Do you require a minimum number of sessions or a deposit?
• How much notice do you need if we want to pause or stop?

Finally, trust your instincts. A tutor can have excellent qualifications and still not be the right fit for your child. The best arrangement is one where your child feels comfortable, challenged and supported — and where you feel informed and respected.