Is this the answer to getting your child's education back on track?

 Sadly and undoubtedly, the global pandemic caused by COVID-19 has harmed the education of children across the UK. Most schools are now back to teaching and attempting to play catch-up, supported by funding from the UK government. However, the reality is that without intervention it could take two years to bring some children back to their correct attainment level.

 Kirsty Tennyson is Executive Principal of the Three Saints Academy Trust, and one of her schools is St Mary and St Thomas C. of E. in St Helens. Ms. Tennyson says her schools have a plan in place to help children catch up, but she admits there is a "mountain to climb".

 "This is going to take into this academic year and the one after to really get those children back to where they need to be, and for some children, it will take longer."

 Although an "Education catch-up fund" is available to claim and is targeted at providing private tutoring for those children most in need, only educational institutions can make a claim, leaving many parents powerless. Furthermore, as of the 16th of October 2020, almost half of the fund remains unallocated. Schools are overloaded with new tasks and procedures relating to COVID-19, so, it's unsurprising that many schools are yet to apply for this fund to benefit their pupils.

 For any child, falling behind their expected attainment level can become particularly problematic when it comes to the end of stage exams. These exams are a standardized process and often won't take into account individual circumstances. So what can be done?

Can we catch-up another way?

 Private tutoring could be the answer. There are qualified professional tutors available for every subject on the national curriculum, and considerations around COVID-19 are taken into account with a choice of socially distanced visits or online sessions. Either way, a private tutor allows you as a parent the flexibility to plan those much-needed catch-up sessions around your everyday life.

 A weekly private tutoring session, for example, can be one of the most efficient ways to bring your child back up to speed. Unlike group or classroom learning, small groups or 1-on-1 tutoring can allow for the tutor to provide better feedback and home in on the areas that your child may specifically be struggling with. 

 Due to this more personal teaching style, private tutors can have a significant impact on their student's self-esteem and confidence. This has a wide range of positive knock-on-effects. For example, there are a growing number of academic studies that have identified a direct link between a child's self-esteem and academic achievement.

How do I find a private tutor?

 At Tutor Extra, our aim is to connect parents to private tutors, giving parents the option of finding the tutor that is right for them and their child, whether that is based on teaching style, length of session, location, or cost.

You can browse hundreds of tutors based on their teaching levels, such as Key Stage 1, primary age, or GCSE. You can also choose where you want the sessions to take place: online, at home, in a public place, or at the tutor's location.

Explore a host of fully qualified and vetted national curriculum tutors here.