Tutors' Alliance
Tutors' Alliance Ltd. is the organisation promoting professional tuition in the UK. It was set up by experienced 
languages tutor, Valerie Kemp, who wanted a way to prove she had the qualifications and experience required of a good tutor when she met prospective pupils. So as an alternative to a bundle of papers for pupils to wade through, Valerie devised the Tutor Check, an A4-size report detailing a tutor's academic qualifications, experience, references and credentials. This is a useful tool for parents and pupils to ensure their tutor has been subjected to a rigorous vetting procedure.
Choosing a tutor is a big decision for any pupil and ensuring their tutor is suitable is essential. Tutors' Alliance has as its primary concern, the safety of pupils. Therefore, all members of Tutors' Alliance must have an Enhanced Disclosure Scotland certificate which must be renewed on an annual basis. In addition, Tutors' Alliance undertakes extensive interviews with all its tutors before they become members and keeps up-to-date with them on a regular basis. The Tutors' Alliance website features detailed advice for parents and pupils who are looking for a tutor.
For tutors, membership of Tutors' Alliance includes much more than the Tutor Check. Tutors' Alliance members receive queries from pupils looking for tutors in their area, saving tutors advertising costs. Those who do advertise are free to promote themselves as members of Tutors' Alliance. In addition, Tutors' Alliance offers networking opportunities and training for tutors through its The Essentials of Tutoring Workshops. Tutors' Alliance is not an agency and so does not take commission from tutors. A one-off, annual fee is required for membership and tutors manage their own agreements with pupils.
Tutors' Alliance is steadily building up a reputation as the professional body for tutors. To date, Tutors' Alliance has already put dozens of pupils in touch with suitable tutors across Scotland and helped a number of tutors thrive in their role.
More information about Tutors' Alliance can be found on their website www.tutorsalliance.co.uk where you will also find a sample Tutor Check and an application form for membership. Valerie would be delighted to receive any queries either by e-mail to valerie@tutorsalliance.co.uk or telephone to 01224 433163.
