My child is entering Pre-primary and doesn't know their letters or sounds yet. Won't they just catch up during the year?

Possibly. But as a teacher of 30 plus years working with the youngest learners in our schools, my biggest concern is the impact their lagging skills are having on their self esteem and perception of themselves as a learner when they see their friends do something with ease that they find really hard. No parent has ever said to me, "If only I had waited another year to start my child's tutoring."

How is Childscope Tutoring different to other providers?

I am Childscope - I assess your child, I write the report, I plan the program and I teach your child. I am accountable to you and your child, not a large company with turnover targets. Additionally, all sessions are one-on-one, rather than the group sessions provided by some other operators.

How much does tutoring cost?

Fees are invoiced at the start of each school term and are payable prior to the commencement of the first tutoring session of that term. Lessons are billed on the following schedule:

At tutor's home: $80 per session

At student's home: $90 and upward per session, depending on travel time

At student's school: $90 and upward per session, depending on travel time

When is tutoring held?

Tutoring sessions run for 50 minutes, allowing for a brief handover at the conclusion of the lesson. 

Sessions are booked in blocks to coincide with the school terms. The day and time of your lesson are negotiated to ensure the schedule details are mutually convenient.

How many sessions will my child require?

Parents have the option of scheduling one or two tutoring sessions per week for their child. For children who are significantly behind the level expected for their age, attending two sessions per week can be helpful as it provides them with more opportunity for revision and application of the concepts and skills being covered. 

As for how long your child will require tutoring, there is no simple answer to this question as no two children with a literacy problem have the same learning profile. But it is worth bearing in mind that while practise sometimes makes perfect, practise ALWAYS makes progress! So practise, practise, practise!!!

Where are the tutoring sessions held?

Tutoring sessions are held in a purpose designed space in my home office in Woodlands. I find that children view it as a "work space", and tend to be more focused when free of the familiar distractions of their own home.

In-home and in-school sessions can be organised, subject to my availability, at additional cost.

What do I do while my child is being tutored?

Children must be collected by the person who brought them unless you have informed me of other arrangements. While waiting for your child you may like to take a leisurely walk around Jackadder Lake (complete with a lovely playground for younger siblings to play on) or head to the Woodlands shops to relax with a coffee.

Will my child receive homework?

The follow up work your child does at home, with your support and feedback, is as important (if not more important) than the work they do in their tutoring session. It is important for parents to realise that attending tutoring once a week will not produce results as quickly as attending tutoring once a week and having daily scaffolded practise of the material covered. The majority of the homework tasks are games-based practice which the children find highly engaging and enjoyable in spite of the rigorous spelling practice they are doing. By having the child complete a familiar task with a new set of letters or focus spellings, the child can devote all of their mental energy to the letters and sounds, rather than trying to figure out the task demands each time.

My child hates reading. Do they have to read their book?

Just as you would hate ice skating if all you did was fail miserably every time you tried, your child avoids reading because they lack the skills necessary to be successful. Did you notice I didn't suggest they 'hate'' reading?? Children don't really hate reading, they just hate the feelings associated with it due to their lack of success. In both cases, the only way to get better is to push through the initial discomfort and keep practising! In the meantime, find any way you can to get your child reading, and continue reading to them!

What if I miss a lesson?

If you notify me within the 8 hour cancellation window you will receive a credit for a make up lesson. These can be scheduled via the lesson calendar in the Student Portal. Refunds are not given, nor can make-up credits be deducted from the next billing cycle (although credits can roll over to the next term). The only exception is in the case of a tutor-initiated absence. In this case the cost of the lesson will be credited towards your next term's tutoring invoice.

What is the Student Portal?

The Student Portal contains all your tutoring information in one easy location. It allows you instant access to invoices and payment receipts and sends important reminders. You can view your child's current lesson schedule and available credits, and book make up lessons easily via the lesson calendar.

My child's writing is untidy and they do not form their letters correctly. Can tutoring help?

Fine motor strength and control is necessary for your child to meet the writing demands placed upon them at school. If your child is having trouble in this area, I can support you with strategies and resources to address this area, including their consolidation of the correct letter formation. For children attending two sessions a week, it is a little easier to incorporate some handwriting instruction into the tutoring session without sacrificing the primary focus of developing the child's literacy skills. For children attending only one session a week, I can set up an at-home program for you to work through with your child.