Becoming a private tutor- all questions here

Sarah2011 · 29 October 2013 at 1:31AM

I had a DBS check done for my voluntary work (I do some admin stuff for the local youth football club) and then had a second one done when I started teaching at the college. I felt better having it and always mention it in my Gumtree ad and tutoring website profile but no-one has ever mentioned it or asked to see it so I don't know whether it makes a difference. I tutor in their house and ask a parent to be in the house which may make a difference. To be honest I am shocked by how many people have contacted my via Gumtree and don't ask for references/proof of ID or qualifications/DBS certificate. I could be anyone - one parent said she would get her teenage daughter to call me so I could let her know where I wanted to meet and how much money she should bring with her :eek:. Agency or voluntary work seem to be the options if you want to get yourself a certificate.

Sam_Tutorfair · 1 November 2013 at 3:58PM

Mrs_Money wrote: »

Anybody know anything about this?

Many more parents are asking for a DBS check from their tutors, just to stay on the safe side. It's not compulsory, but is becoming a bit of an industry standard.

Tutors should get an Enhanced DBS check (rather than Basic) owing to the type of work they will be undertaking.

There are a number of "umbrella bodies" (UBs) that can process an application. Organisations (such as tutoring agencies) work with specific UBs and send all DBS applications from their members over to them.

The UB will conduct the check, and then send the DBS certificate directly to the individual. The certificate has the date that it was issued and can be used as proof that you are safe to work with children.

More information about how to fill in the form etc can be found on the Government's Disclosure & Barring Service site.

If anyone has any other questions regarding getting a DBS check, please just ask

greavesy1984 · 3 November 2013 at 4:36PM

If someone is charging less than £20 an hour then they probably not a qualified teacher or they are not in employment as a teacher. A teacher earns that or more in their day job, and planning, preparation, travel time and cost isn't worth it to a teacher unless for some reason they really are strapped for cash. I charge £25 an hour and I believe that is only just worth my time and effort. I quite often turn people away at that price also. I wouldn't advise anyone to be tutored by an out of work or unqualified teacher because they are simply not teachers and do not know how to differentiate. Or they will not know the exams the students are looking to be working towards, or have a bank of helpful and successful resources, or a history of successful students in exams behind them.

flubberyzing · 4 November 2013 at 7:30PM

I'm a qualified primary school teacher, who is currently teaching. I currently tutor a primary-aged pupil in maths. I charge £20 an hour.

Greavesy, your comment that a teacher who is out of work is "simply not a teacher" is downright insulting. I know a number of great teachers who are struggling to get back on the ladder after maternity leaves, or moving areas. And to imply that they are any less skilled is extremely rude.
You may be a newbie, but that doesn't mean you can insult an entire group of professionals.

bylromarha · 6 November 2013 at 11:54AM

Anyone heard of Winchmore tutors? Anyone signed up with them?

therivierakid · 28 November 2013 at 8:44AM

flubberyzing wrote: »

Greavesy, your comment that a teacher who is out of work is "simply not a teacher" is downright insulting. I know a number of great teachers who are struggling to get back on the ladder after maternity leaves, or moving areas. And to imply that they are any less skilled is extremely rude.
You may be a newbie, but that doesn't mean you can insult an entire group of professionals.

Here, here!

j.smith1981 · 30 November 2013 at 12:00PM

I am on wizpert something similar (though not exactly tutoring) but I do offer that, usually when I am doing my own work, for the NEA related post I made, or the outcome of that really.

Know tons about web programming now and wordpress implementation, I don't think there's one single thing I don't know or at least can't attempt to do with CSS 2 and 3.

They're both pretty easy once you understand how browsers work on a technical level.

geek84 · 16 December 2013 at 9:38AM

Good Morning Folks

Could someone explain the difference between 11+ exams and entrance exams?

For those schools who hold entrance exams, is it the same exam throughout the country for all corresponding schools?

Similarly, is the 11+ exam the same exam paper for corresponding schools throughout the country?

If not, does that mean a tutor who wishes to teach 11+ or entrance exams need to familiarize him/herself with each of the different topics which will be tested?

Thanks

geek84 · 23 January 2014 at 9:43AM

Good Morning Folks

Did you see the BBC News yesterday, where the government is considering introducing computer programming in primary schools? The teachers seem to be concerned that they will not be fully trained by Sept 2014. Do you think that is a potential market private tutors can tap into?

Thanks

geek84 · 23 January 2014 at 2:37PM

Hi Folks
Had anybody from tutoring on a one to on basis or small groups, gone on to set up a tuition agency? By that I mean recruiting other tutors to your business and you make money by taking commission?
Thanks

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Becoming a private tutor- all questions here

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