Information Sheet Number 11

Private Dyslexia Tuition -Pointers for Private Dyslexia Tutors.

When taking on a new pupil it is best to establish ground rules from the outset.
The following pointers could be useful.

1. Preliminary arrangements:
   1. Discuss with the parents their expectations of a course of specialist lessons.
   2. Establish whether or not there is an up to date Chartered Educational Psychologist's report from which you may take recommendations.
   3. If this is not the case decide whether or not it will be necessary to carry out a teacher assessment and explain what this would involve.
   4. Discuss where the lessons will take place.
   5. Also, when they will take place.
      1. Taking children out of school

         Advice about taking children out of school for private tuition has changed.
         It is possible for a school to approve absence for an educational activity including:

         1. "franchised pupils receiving part of their tuition at another location while remaining under overall supervision of the home school (ie a flexible arrangement short of formal dual registration). This can include special tuition for dyslexic children and sick children being taught at home but remaining on roll." (page 40, Circ 10/99)
         2. Advise the parent as to how frequent and long the lessons should be.
         3. Discuss whether there should be parental involvement during the lesson.
         4. Confirm whether homework will be issued and whether there should be parental involvement.
         5. Discuss how you will inform parents about progress or any concerns and how and when they may communicate with you.
         6. Establish whether you will be liaising with the child's school and if you will be required to visit it.
         7. Set a review date after half a term's tuition in order to make sure that expectations are being met.

2. Advise your costs:

   Not only should you let the parent know your fees for lessons but you should also advise:

   1. Your fees for report writing if this is intended to be an additional activity.
   2. Your fees for teacher assessments if, and when, required.
   3. Your costs or arrangements in the case of cancellations.
   4. Charges for out of pocket expenses, e.g.
   5. Fees for attending meetings, if any, e.g. with the school or LEA.
   6. Telephone expenses.
   7. Additional resources etc.

Personal considerations and development:

1. Membership of a professional body such as PATOSS (The Professional Association of Teachers of Students with Specific Learning Difficulties)and / or AMBDA (Associated Member of BDA) or ATS (Approved Teacher Status) would be most beneficial.
2. You should also ensure that your skills are regularly updated. Many courses are listed on G05 BDA Events list and several supporting members regularly offer suitable courses too.
3. Make sure you are insured, both for public liability and for professional indemnity. PATOSS is able to arrange this for members.
4. It may also be advisable to arrange a police check for yourself.

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Applications for ATS and AMBDA can be made to the BDA.

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PATOSS
PO Box 10
Evesham
Worcs WR11 6ZW
Tel: 01386 712 667 Fax: 01386 712 640
E-mail: patoss@evesham.ac.uk
Web: http://www.patoss-dyslexia.org

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Drawn up by the BDA Local Associations Board with support from the Helpline co-ordinator and from PATOSS.

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BRITISH DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION
98 London Road, READING RG1 5AU
Tel: Helpline 0118 966 8271
Tel: Administration 0118 966 2677
Fax: 0118 935 1927

E-mail(Helpline): info@dyslexiahelp-bda.demon.co.uk
E-mail(Admin): admin@bda-dyslexia.demon.co.uk

Web: http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

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April 2006.

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Related:

 Patoss Code of Ethics for Specialist Teachers and Assessors

 Private Dyslexia Tuition: Information for Parents