There is a joy in teaching, which is all about the moment when the learner suddenly understands something for the first time; when connections are made. For me, teaching is about opening minds, helping children to question and think for themselves and engaging imagination - in short, fostering a love of learning.

Why choose me to tutor your child?

I have been tutoring from my home for the last 6 years, since leaving the classroom environment in 2019. It is a wonderful way to work with children and to be able to focus exclusively on the needs of one child at a time. With 12 years classroom teaching experience, I have taught primary age children in two different High Peak schools in Derbyshire, predominantly year 6 children (8 years experience) but also year 5 and year 3. For the last three years of my teaching career, I was also a teaching Deputy Head. Consequently, I fully understand how to prepare children for statutory assessment tests (SATS) in year 6. I have always made it my business to prepare children for tests calmly by building their confidence systematically and building the skills necessary to cope with them as part of an enjoyable learning process. As a tutor, it is my aim to build up your child's confidence on a one-to-one basis; to maintain a teaching environment where your child feels safe to ask when they don't understand and where mistakes are the building blocks to learning. 

Maths Specialism

Many parents looking for a tutor are often concerned about their child's understanding of maths. I qualified as a Primary Maths Specialist 14 years ago and since then, have supported the transformation of maths teaching in two primary schools as maths coordinator. I use a wide range of approaches to teaching maths, including games, problem-solving challenges, fluency in arithmetic practice, use of practical apparatus and diagrams. I have consistently achieved exceptional results in maths with all of my year 6 classes. 

English 

My true passions, however, are reading and writing. I use inspiring literature to encourage reading and have a substantial children's library to support my pupils. I know that many children (and their parents!) find the still relatively new Grammar and Punctuation curriculum and test bewildering, with its complicated terminology. I can help to demystify this! I teach grammar through writing and develop children's use (and love) of language through well-chosen passages, carefully modelled excerpts and my own genuine enthusiasm for the English language. 

​

In short, you can trust that I have substantial and up-to-date experience of teaching primary-age children and preparing for tests. But more importantly, you can also trust that I will have the best interests of your child at heart and will work hard to build their confidence and self-esteem. If they need lots of support and scaffolding, that is what they will get. Conversely, if it's challenge that's required, they will find it from me. 

​

Lessons will take place in a dedicated space in my home office in New Mills. First sessions will always be a 'getting to know you' and assessment session. However, initially I would suggest a telephone conversation with parents to discuss your child's needs. I am also more than happy to liaise with your child's teacher directly (with your permission) to gather further information that may help me to support your child's learning better.

​

I hope you will feel confident to trust me with your child's learning and I look forward to meeting you and them soon.

​

Sarah-Jayne Kenyon

​