Tutoring Services

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Students who have sustained a brain injury will often have difficulties at school and may benefit from some tutoring assistance. It is important to consider issues such as fatigue, extra curricular activities and a student's learning style when considering how a tutor may be beneficial. Parents may want to discuss this with the school and Brain Injury Team.

How do I find a suitable tutor?

The Brain Injury Team can usually provide a list of professional tutors who have worked with other students who have sustained an acquired brain injury. However, these tutors may not be accessible within the local area and so additional costs may be incurred if tutors need to travel. Alternatively, schools usually know of local teachers or university students who may be suitable. Professional tutoring services can be found in the yellow pages under `Educational Consultants'. It is important to note that all current working teachers have undergone criminal checks as a part of their employment. This may not be the case with professional tutoring services so it is important to ask if the tutor has had a formal criminal check completed.

What is the best way for a tutor to work with a student who has an acquired brain injury?

To make the most of the tutoring, it is essential for the tutor to have some school contact to discuss the school curriculum with the class teacher or the year coordinator. Tutors should work together with Brain Injury staff to develop a consistent approach to managing homework, study and assignments. Usually, it is better that core class work be made the priority. One role of a tutor is to help the student go over class work and complete homework. Revision is very important to assist the student in understanding the curriculum. It is important that the tutor doesn't complete homework for the student but instead assisting them to organise their thoughts so they can do it themselves.

Don't assume that a tutor knows about brain injury, structured teaching techniques or the school curriculum. Parents, the school and the Brain Injury team can assist the tutor in learning about individual learning needs of a student by talking with them over the phone, inviting them to school meetings or providing school or hospital reports.

How much does tutoring cost?

Prices vary depending upon the tutor but prices usually range from $25 - $45 per hour. If a child has a compensation claim, the insurance company may pay for this service. Parents can speak with the Brain Injury Team or solicitor about this.

What should I ask the tutor?

• Have you taught before?
• Who did you teach and what?
• What school level have you taught?
• Do you feel communication with the school is important?
• What is your experience of working with a student with a learning difficulty or disability?
• Can you tutor from my home?
• For how long and when?
• How frequently can you tutor?
• Can you supply a reference of other people you have tutored?
• Do you currently teach? What school and what subjects?
• How much do you charge per half hour?
• Is there a cost for travel expenses?

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/