SB Tuition for Primary Children

SkintG

Hello MSE'ers I just thought I would pick your collective nous on an idea I have for a small business

1. I have an idea and a skill that I am qualified to do and enjoy. I am currently working as a supply teacher for the primary age group but mostly enjoy working one to one or in small groups to help a child group of children. My main satisfaction in the job comes from that 'click' moment when a child gets it, this has got me thinking a lot more about going down the avenue of tutoring rather than sticking with full class teaching.
2. My idea is to rent office space which I can transform into a learning environment, this would be a small area at first possibly expanding IF the business is proving successful. I feel a lot more comfortable with this as opposed to having children in my home or visiting them at their home.
3. I have looked into some local business offering similar services and the only one really is 'Kip McGrath' a franchise tutoring company with branches around the world, I aim to be cheaper and more personal than these, the only other competition is work from home and visiting tutors which I feel I would have the advantage over having a 'professional base'.
4. The area in which I live is expanding rapidly with a huge new development attracting families who will be taking their children to new schools and who maybe out of education for a short time, I feel this could be a good time to start off my business with this 'new money' in the area, Also I plan to offer tutoring for underachieving children, excluded children and exam preparation.
5. There are opportunities for expansion into on-line tutoring setting up distance learning packs and even selling pre prepared schemes of work for parents to deliver on e bay etc.

This is something I have been thinking about for a while, although only seriously in the last few months, I really like the idea of being self employed and feel comfortable in my own skills that I can make a difference for children who need the extra help, however there are some 'negatives' that I am aware off and may need to address.


Given the current climate will tuition be seen as a luxury or will it encourage people to prioritise where they spend their 'free money' e.g. their children's education?


Obviously I am CRB cleared to work with children but I need to decide on a parents rule, I don't want to put myself in the position of being on my own with a child, however if a parent doesn't have time to work with their child at home will they have time to be present?


There are also lots of other things I need to look at in regards setting up a business, banks, insurance, bookkeeping, renting, vat etc. I think I would need to maybe do some study on this or seek some help from somewhere.


Basically I am just interested in opinions on this business idea, is there an obvious flaw?


Is there anything I really need to consider before I take any further steps, I feel I am prepared for a 'slow start' with rent and advertising being the main costs.


So give it to me guys, both barrels, what do you think?


Thanks for taking the time to read, a quick post turned into a bit of an essay!

slipp_digby

you could consider offering your services in the childrens own home. this might seem old fashioned but i think it makes good sense.

this would be more comfortable for the parent - they could be getting on with other things but still be present with you and their child.

this will also keep your overheads lower as you wouldnt need to rent anywhere (although in the current market you should be able to get a good deal on some space). low overheads means you wont have lost much money, just your time - in th evnet it doesnt work.

perhaps you could do this part time to start with to see if it will fly and expand & rent somewhere if the market is there.

edit: should have said, you have a 'competitor' already. why not have a dig around and see if you can glean anything from them e.g. from companies house RE their success or failure

or ring up as a prospective customer and find out what facilities/service they offer

2nd edit: word of mouth recommendations wil be vital in this market IMO.