I?ve blogged about this before, and will probably do so plenty more times, because it?s a tricky issue. Most of us have employed someone at some point: plumber, dressmaker, window cleaner. Once upon a time we relied on word of mouth ? a recommendation from a friend, or convenience ? the chap just down the road. Social media has opened out our options massively. We can ask a local Facebook group, or use Google.

But how should we choose someone to work with our children? Here are a few pointers.

• Do some research. Most of us have online presences, read about us and see what you think. Look at places other than Facebook ? there?s nothing wrong with Facebook but if we are any good we will have websites that give you more information than a Facebook page, and many of us have profiles on LinkedIn or Twitter. Take the time to find out as much as you can.
• Look at our qualifications. Some tutors have never taught in class, some don?t have degrees. That might be fine if you just want someone cheap and cheerful to help your Infant with their reading, but you may be looking for something quite different for your A level student.
• Be clear about what you require. Do you need someone who will come out to your home, or would your child learn better in a specially designated learning environment? Does you child need 1:1 tutoring, or would they work better with a friend? Is your child nervous, if so how can they be eased into sessions? Will you want sessions during holiday periods?
• Have a chat with us. Don?t worry about ringing round. Most of us are happy to have a chat and answer any questions. Be prepared to call a few different people. Not every tutor can accommodate every need. I seldom work weekends; other tutors grab weekend work enthusiastically. I will reschedule if possible, some tutors won?t. I tutor 5-18, some tutors work with a more limited aged range.
• Be clear about terms and expectations. Does the tutor charge for missed sessions? Do they set homework?
• Be realistic. A tutor can change lives. They can change a child?s approach to learning. They can raise grades. BUT, they can only do that with the child?s co-operation and the parents? support, and it takes time. Several sessions might be enough to enhance a child?s test technique, understanding of the paper, and ability to plan and edit answers. Several terms would be required to teach a literature curriculum, or to raise grade boundaries significantly. So, think about the timing.
• Meet the tutor, with your child, before starting sessions. That way you will all be singing from the same hymn sheet and both you and your child will feel more comfortable. From our point of view, teaching is always more effective when you know something of the child as a person, rather than a set of grades. Make sure you both like us. If not, find someone else who suits you better. We won?t be offended.

Tutoring is an investment. Take a little time to make sure you have the right person and it will be a great experience for us all.