The weekly tutor bulletin for tutors registered or subscribed with Tutors Directory

Goodness! Has another week passed already? Well, welcome to another edition of the Tutors Network newsletter!

Firstly we'd like to extend a big thank you to everyone who got in touch with such positive feedback last week. The TD team is always happy to hear from readers so if you'd like to leave any feedback with suggestions, comments or ideas please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Updates from Tutors Directory

Do you teach workshops?

Tutors Directory will soon be launching our dynamic sister site, the Workshop Directory. From next month the Workshop Directory will make it easier for workshop leaders to promote any type of workshop by putting you in front of potential participants. It is ideal for those who either run or want to start running workshops and those who like their learning short, practical and fun.

The site will operate an annual membership for those who wish to promote their workshops in any subject or field for children and/or adults, as well as guides and opportunities related to every aspect of running a workshop – from concept and preparation to delivery and review. It will also have a free directory listing section of names and addresses of workshop providers and suppliers. Find out more about the Workshop Directory here.

Enjoy

The TD Team

New 'Vetting and Barring Scheme'

This week we take a look at some of the biggest topics facing tutors today including an in-depth look at the government's controversial new 'Vetting and Barring Scheme', finding out exactly what it means for you as a tutor.

The scheme is due to enter its next phase from October of this year and is designed to prevent unsuitable people from working with children and vulnerable adults. 

The new scheme is of particular interest to tutors as it makes it a legal necessity for anyone wishing to work with children to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

We provide you with all the information you need to register and take you step by step through the process. 

Using assessments to improve your tutoring

True to our word of bringing you new and constructive ideas to improve the quality of the tutoring services you offer we take a look at using honest assessments with your students and how this can foster a relationship based on trust and engagement.   

A recent report published by the Department for Schools, Children and Families (DSCF) drew attention to the fact that 93 per cent of tutoring agencies in the UK use some form of ongoing performance assessment.

While many tutors have neglected the importance of using assessment to improve both the quality of their teaching and the relationships that they build with their learners, it remains an important tool for improving the standard of tutoring services.

We look at ways of approaching the topic so that both you and your students can gain the maximum benefit as well as looking at the way assessments can benefit the work that you do.  

For more information on assessments and the Vetting and Barring Scheme click here. 

Guest writer Gill Budgell writes for TD

A specialist in primary literacy, Gill Budgell has over 25 years experience as a teacher, successful children's author and publisher. Her books include the colourful Penpals for Handwriting series, Oxford Reading Tree and Preparing to Read.

She has written a pair of helpful features for the site focusing on how to encourage struggling or reluctant readers to get involved with books, homework and reading. Gill's top tips on identifying and helping readers who may be struggling, though primarily for parents, may also be useful for tutors. To read click here.

New TD Survey 

What are the greatest challenges for you as a tutor? Do you find it easy to access support and information targeted to independent tutors? We'd like to hear your views!

Please take a moment to visit our 'Tutors Network Survey' and share your experience, tips and advice. If we all pitch in everyone benefits! Just follow this link to answer a few short questions.

Competition – win great educational resources to aid your tutoring

Every month Tutors Directory offers you the chance to win an educational resource to help aid your students' learning and development in a fun and accessible way! Competition to win one of Tony Burzan's brilliant mind mapping starter kits is hotting up... Make sure you click here to enter!

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That rounds it off for another week! For those of you who haven't downloaded our FREE Guide to Online Tutoring make sure you click here to get it while it's hot (you'll need to be logged in - so if you have not done so, please log in or register). The guide is packed with all the information you need to find out about taking your tutoring skills to the next level.

Happy Tutoring!

The TD Team