At Clifton Primary School, we recognise that some families choose to arrange private tuition to provide additional support for their children's learning outside of school.

Private tuition can offer opportunities for children to consolidate their learning, build confidence and develop their knowledge and skills. However, it is important that parents and carers carefully research any tutor or tuition provider before making arrangements or committing to payments.

Unlike schools, private tutors are not all subject to the same statutory safeguarding, qualification and oversight requirements. We therefore encourage families to make informed decisions to ensure that any tuition is safe, appropriate and beneficial for their child.

Choosing a Private Tutor

Before arranging private tuition, we recommend that parents and carers consider the following:

• Qualifications and experience: Private tutors do not necessarily need to be qualified teachers. Ask about their qualifications, experience and suitability for working with children of your child's age.

• Safeguarding and DBS checks: Ask whether the tutor has an appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and whether this can be verified. A DBS check provides information about criminal records and, where applicable, barred-list status, but does not guarantee that an individual is suitable to work with children.

• References and recommendations: Request references and, where possible, seek feedback from other families who have used the service.

• Costs and payment arrangements: Tutors and tuition companies generally set their own fees. Ensure you understand the costs, cancellation arrangements and any terms and conditions before making payments.

• Teaching and learning: Ask how the tutor will assess your child's needs, plan appropriate learning and keep you informed about their progress.

• Online tuition: If lessons take place online, ensure that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place and that you know which platforms and communication methods will be used.

Keeping Your Child Safe

Your child's safety and wellbeing should always be the priority.

We recommend that parents and carers:

• Ensure that face-to-face tuition takes place in an appropriate environment where they can remain nearby and check on their child.

• Avoid arrangements where a tutor is alone with their child in an isolated or unsupervised setting.

• Make sure their child knows they can speak to a trusted adult if anything makes them feel uncomfortable or worried.

• Regularly discuss tuition sessions with their child and take an interest in the work they are completing.

• Ensure that communication between the tutor and their child is appropriate and that they are aware of any direct messaging or online contact.

• Raise any safeguarding concerns promptly with the appropriate organisation or authorities.

These considerations apply whether tuition takes place at home, online or at a tuition centre.

Our Approach to Private Tuition

At Clifton Primary School, we recognise that some families choose to access additional learning opportunities outside of school.

From time to time, we may share information about external tuition providers, such as Learning Labs, where we believe their services may be of interest or benefit to our families.

These providers operate independently of Clifton Primary School. Parents and carers remain responsible for deciding whether a particular service is suitable for their child and should carry out their own checks regarding safeguarding arrangements, qualifications, costs and the quality of provision.

We encourage families to speak to their child's class teacher if they have concerns about their learning or progress. Our staff can provide guidance on how to support learning at home and explain the support available within school.

Further Guidance

Ealing Council has produced guidance to help parents and carers make informed decisions when choosing a private tutor.

We encourage all families considering private tuition to read the guidance document below before making arrangements.

At Clifton, our priority is always the safety, wellbeing and educational success of every child.