The Step Ahead process

What Is One-To-One Tuition?

Simply, one tutor works with only one client at any one time. We select (often after carrying out an assessment) an appropriate tutor, based not only on specialist knowledge, but also one we believe will relate especially well to the particular client. The relationship that develops between tutor and client is crucial to the progress made.

The carefully planned, structured lessons, in a suitable environment, geared totally to the needs of the individual, normally results in an increase of self-confidence and a marked increase in attainment.

What Are The Key "STEPS" in Your Process?

Initial telephone discussion - parent/client contacts STEP AHEAD - our Director

Parent/client may then wish to contact previous or current clients by telephone

(i) Appointment of appropriate tutor by Director (normally within 24 hours)

OR

(ii) Meeting with and assessment by Director

Parent/client may like to read our Books of Testimonials

Selection of appropriate tutor (after assessment)

THEN:

1: Initial (normally one and a half-hour) session with selected tutor
2: One-to-one tuition on weekly or fortnightly basis (1-2hrs per session)
3: Flexibility in number, length and frequency of sessions
4: Term-time and holiday options
5: Building self-esteem/confidence
6: Encouraging study habits and setting regular homework/home study
7: Parental involvement
8: On-going link with STEP AHEAD and Director

Why Is Continuity And Consistency Essential For Tutoring?

It cannot be stressed enough how important the continuity of working on a regular basis both with a tutor and in private study can be to the progress made by youngsters. This is equally true of the consistency of approach gained by having the same tutor in place over a sustained period of time.

If a session on a particular day has to be cancelled we encourage both the tutor and client to re-arrange that session for another day during the same week in order to maintain continuity and progress.

Where Is The Tutoring Done?

Clients have a choice of (i) the tutor coming to the client's own home or relative's home or (ii) of going to the tutor's home.

Can More Than One Client Be Tutored At The Same Time?

Although almost all of our work is with individuals, there are occasions when a tutor might consider working with two children together who are in the same family or two friends of a similar age/ability.

What Ages Are Your Clients?

We tutor children of primary school age, young people of secondary school age, older teenagers, college or university attendees, young adults, and indeed any adults who believe that learning is a life-long continuous activity.

What Is The Length of A Session and How Many Must I Take?

One of our key features is flexibility - so we do not commit a client to a set number of sessions or indeed to a set length of session or even frequency of session. These decisions are made by the client in discussion with the appointed tutor.

On average, the client sees the tutor once per week - on the same day, at the same time - for one and a half hours. However, some sessions are fortnightly or less often and are of a duration of two hours, while some clients prefer two one-hour sessions per week.

There is clear evidence that continuity and consistency of sessions is important in making progress. For that reason, we encourage tutoring to be continued in all school holiday periods, especially the long summer break.

What Is The Policy Regarding Homework/Home Study?

Tutors will give appropriate work to be done at home and it is hoped that parents will take an interest in this in order to see their youngsters back up work done during sessions.

As many parents indicate that their youngsters require help in building up study habits and developing a weekly system of study, our tutors often help in advising and encouraging.

What Kind of Commitment Do You Think Is Appropriate?

We do not expect you to commit to anything more than one session in advance, although we are confident that you will appreciate the value of our services and will wish to be looking at getting the benefit of regular sessions over a few weeks or months.

We hope that common courtesies can be observed in consulting with and notifying each other in regards to intentions and plans. We appreciate that (last-minute) emergencies can happen, but it seems reasonable to expect clients (or tutors for that matter) to let their tutor (or client) know as soon as possible if a session is to be cancelled or postponed; in the event of no or inadequate notification from a client, we consider that the tutor has the right to be given the fee for the session.

What Equipment/Resources Are Required?

Clients are encouraged to have their own clip file, A4 paper and pencil case. A dictionary is useful for those studying English. Many youngsters prefer to have their own text and reading books from which they can work throughout the week. Tutors will advise parents/clients which books they would like the client to have available. Often tutors use work-sheets, past papers and other material that they themselves provide.

What Is The Position regarding Liabilities?

STEP AHEAD Tutoring and Educational Services is not responsible for any loss, injury, accidental damage, personal indictment or any other claim whatsoever, as regards tutors, clients or other persons, arising in connection with any STEP AHEAD tutoring, service or activity, including assignments, recommendations and travelling. Tutors, teachers and other professional persons are recommended to clients on the basis of the information obtained in good faith about their professional qualifications and experience and personal character.