'Should we pay for one-to-one tutoring, or is a small group enough?'
The honest answer is that it depends on the child and the quality of the teaching. A pupil with a very specific gap might benefit from targeted individual explanation; another may gain confidence by discussing ideas with a few peers. The EEF's small-group review defines small-group tuition as two to five pupils with an educator, and stresses matching support to need. A room containing several children quietly completing unrelated homework is not automatically the same intervention.
Visit with a real example
Bring a recent piece of schoolwork and ask the provider: 'What would you do if my child got stuck here?' Listen for an explanation of how they would find the misconception, communicate with the teacher and check understanding. 'We help with everything' sounds reassuring but tells you very little about the teaching.
Five questions worth asking
What specific skill will be supported? Who will teach it? How many children share the session? How does it relate to schoolwork? What feedback will parents receive?
Individual or small group?
The EEF has evidence reviews for both one-to-one and small-group tuition. Their findings concern well-targeted teaching, not a blanket endorsement of any provider. Ask whether your child needs intensive individual attention or benefits from explaining ideas with peers.
Look beyond promises
Avoid guaranteed grade increases and claims that one method suits everyone. Ask for a realistic review point and a way to share concerns with the child's school.
Ask about the ordinary Tuesday, not the brochure
Who actually leads the session? How many children are there and what ages? What happens if there is no homework? Is the child expected to work in English? How will you know whether support is still needed after a term? Ask about fees, missed sessions and notice terms in writing.
Watch your child's experience
A useful review after a few weeks asks more than whether the child likes attending. Can they explain something they could not before? Are homework evenings calmer? Does the school see an improvement in the specific difficulty? If the answer is no, revisit the plan rather than automatically extending it.