SEND Tutors

SEND tutors are teachers or tutors with specialist training in working with children who have learning difficulties or disabilities. Unlike mainstream tutors, they understand how conditions like dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, and ADHD affect learning, and they adapt their teaching methods accordingly.

What they do

A SEND tutor will assess where your child is academically, identify specific gaps, and create a structured programme that plays to your child's strengths. They use specialist approaches — multisensory techniques for dyslexia, visual supports for autism, or short-burst activities for children with attention difficulties. Many build strong relationships with their students, which makes a huge difference to motivation.

When to seek help

If your child is falling further behind despite school interventions, if they've lost confidence in their ability to learn, or if they need targeted support in specific areas like phonics or maths, a SEND tutor can fill the gap. They're also valuable during transitions — moving to secondary school, preparing for exams, or during periods when school provision has broken down.

What to expect

Most SEND tutors offer weekly sessions of 45 minutes to an hour, either at home or online. They'll typically start with an informal assessment to understand your child's needs and learning style. Progress reviews every half-term are standard. Good SEND tutors communicate regularly with parents and, where helpful, with school SENCOs.

Typical costs

SEND tutors typically charge between £30 and £70 per hour, depending on their qualifications and location. Tutors with specialist qualifications (e.g., Level 5 dyslexia practitioner status) often charge at the higher end. Some Local Authorities fund SEND tutoring through EHCP provision.