Academic support: how to choose the right tutor for your child

The first grades of the year are in, and they're not good. December exams are approaching. Your child is struggling with maths or Dutch, and homework evenings end in tension. Hiring a tutor can make all the difference. On one condition: choosing the right person, for the right need, at the right time. Here’s how to go about it.

Why a tutor can make all the difference

A tutor isn’t just another teacher. They work with your child one-on-one, at their own pace.

What it brings, in concrete terms:

• Time for them. In class, a teacher can’t go over the same concept ten times. A tutor can.
• A fresh perspective. The same subject explained differently, and sometimes the light bulb moment happens in just one session.
• Method. Many students don’t lack ability, but organisation: planning revision, making summaries, practising with past exercises.
• Less tension at home. Homework is no longer a tug-of-war between parent and child. You become the parent again, not the teacher.

Target the subject AND the level

“They need help with maths” isn’t enough. Be specific.

The exact subject. Geometry or algebra? Grammar or written expression? Listening comprehension in Dutch or vocabulary? The more precise your request, the more likely you are to find the right person.

The level. Supporting a primary school pupil isn’t the same as preparing a final-year secondary student. A brilliant science student isn’t necessarily comfortable with an eight-year-old.

The type of help:

• catching up on a specific subject;
• study method and organisation;
• preparing for an exam or external assessment;
• regular homework support.

For languages, you can also look into language courses.

Pedagogy before qualifications

The best tutor isn’t necessarily the most qualified. It’s the one who knows how to explain and adapts to your child.

What really matters:

1. The ability to explain simply. Ask the tutor how they would go about explaining a concept your child doesn’t understand.
2. Patience. Your child should feel comfortable saying “I don’t understand” without feeling judged.
3. Experience with this age group. A tutor who has already worked with pupils of the same level knows the common pitfalls.
4. Knowledge of the curriculum. A tutor familiar with the Belgian school system, and ideally your child’s network, will be more effective.
5. The connection. If the chemistry isn’t there, even the best tutor in the world won’t help. Your child’s opinion matters.

Safety first

You’re entrusting your child, sometimes at your home, sometimes at the tutor’s. A few precautions:

• Read reviews from other parents, if available.
• Meet the tutor before the first session, with your child.
• Ask for a suitable criminal record extract. In Belgium, there’s a specific model, “model 596-2”, designed for educational and child supervision activities. The tutor requests it from their local council. A serious tutor will understand your request.
• Choose an open space: the kitchen or living room table rather than a closed bedroom, especially at first.

Test over a few sessions

Don’t commit to the whole year after the first meeting. Plan two or three trial sessions.

After each session, ask your child three questions:

• Did you understand something you didn’t before?
• Do you feel comfortable asking questions?
• Do you want to continue?

Also ask the tutor for feedback. A good tutor will tell you what they observed: gaps, strengths, and what they propose for the next steps. Set a clear goal together, such as “pass the December maths exam” or “learn to plan revision independently”.

Before the December exams: the right schedule

In many secondary schools, the December session is the first real test of the year. It’s also when gaps accumulated since September become visible.

The right time is now. The longer you wait, the more booked up good tutors become, and the less time there is to calmly review the material.

A realistic pace:

• one month before: identify at-risk subjects, start sessions;
• two to three weeks before: review basic concepts, do typical exercises;
• the last week: practise exam questions, work on stress management.

Avoid cramming everything into the last three days. Last-minute studying is more tiring than helpful.

Anticipate rather than repair

Academic support works best when it starts before disengagement. A few warning signs:

• grades dropping in a subject, term after term;
• a child saying “I’m no good” or avoiding talking about school;
• homework taking much longer than before;
• a teacher pointing out a lack of basics.

A little regular help in October often avoids a major catch-up in June. And the winter holidays can be used to consolidate what’s been covered, without pressure.

What to agree on from the start

To avoid misunderstandings, agree on:

• the location (at your home, the tutor’s, or remotely);
• the duration and frequency of sessions;
• the price per session or per hour, and whether travel is included;
• what happens in case of cancellation;
• how the tutor keeps you informed of progress.

How Pambe helps you

On Pambe, you can search for a tutor in the private lessons section near you, with no commitment. You compare profiles: subjects and levels offered, reviews from other parents, and prices and availability when the tutor provides them. You contact the person who suits you directly, even without an account, to ask questions and arrange a first session. Pambe connects you: it’s neither a school nor an agency, and you remain free, with no commitment.

Exams won’t wait. Find a tutor near you on Pambe.