For many teachers and classroom assistant staff, there often comes a point in time where the traditional classroom no longer feels like the only, or best, way to make an impact. Coyle Education are offering an alternative route in the form of flexible and rewarding tuition.
At Coyle Education, our tutors provide personalised, one-to-one support for children and young people across the Southeast of England, many of whom are currently out of school or require additional support to re-engage with learning. Our work often takes place in partnership with local councils and families, supporting pupils from Key Stage 2 through to Key Stage 4, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN).
In this tutor spotlight, we speak to Nicole, one of our experienced tutors, about her journey into tutoring, what the role really looks like day to day, and why she believes tuition can be a fulfilling long-term career choice.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you first became interested in tutoring?
I have been teaching in both secondary and primary schools for a couple of years now, and I’ve always felt particularly passionate about working with children with special needs. I started working in an SEN school, and it didn’t take long for me to realise just how much of a difference one-to-one support can make. Seeing pupils thrive when lessons were adapted specifically for them really inspired me to move into tutoring.
What inspired you to pursue a role as a tutor rather than a more traditional classroom teaching position?
Tutoring allows you to work much more closely with individual students. In a classroom, it can be challenging to meet every child’s needs in the way you would like. With tutoring, I can adapt the lesson content, pace, and teaching strategies entirely around the learner.
I also really value the relationships that come with tutoring. I spend a lot of time with my pupils and their families, and I adapt to the way each child learns best. That level of understanding and connection makes the progress even more meaningful. It really is rewarding.
What qualifications or experience did you need to become a tutor with Coyle Education?
Relevant experience working with children is essential, particularly with SEN. Strong safeguarding knowledge is also important. I completed an updated Level 2 safeguarding course with Coyle Education, which was free, and I also had a one-to-one session with the safeguarding lead. An enhanced DBS is required, which Coyle Education completed and paid for on my behalf. Most importantly, you need a genuine commitment to supporting young people.
Are there any skills or areas of expertise that are especially helpful in your tutoring work?
Patience, flexibility, and strong communication skills are crucial. Understanding different learning needs such as autism, ADHD, or dyslexia is extremely helpful, as is the ability to break learning down into small, achievable steps. Building trust and rapport with students is one of the most important skills and often the most impactful. The more comfortable and familiar a student feels with you, the better they usually do.
Could you walk us through what a typical week looks like for you as a tutor?
A typical week involves several one-to-one sessions with different students, usually in their homes or alternative learning environments. I spend time planning personalised lessons, reviewing progress notes, and adapting future sessions based on how each student responds.
Communication with families and Coyle Education is also an important part of the role. When I have free time in my timetable, I attend introduction sessions so I can meet new students and families to see whether I’m a good fit to support them going forward.
How do you decide on weekly objectives and structure learning across sessions?
Weekly objectives are based on the student’s individual learning plan, their current ability level, and longer-term goals. I regularly assess progress informally and adjust objectives as needed. Structure is particularly important for students with additional needs, so sessions often follow a predictable routine while remaining flexible. Sometimes, the focus isn’t academic at all. It’s simply about developing life skills and confidence.
What strategies do you use to keep students focused and motivated?
I use a mix of short activities, regular breaks, and hands-on learning where possible. Linking lessons to a student’s interests helps keep them engaged. Positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and celebrating small successes all help to keep motivation high.
Can you share a moment where you saw real progress or a breakthrough?
One particularly rewarding moment was when a student who had previously refused to engage in literacy activities independently read a short passage aloud with confidence. This came after weeks of building trust and using tailored strategies. Seeing that progress was incredibly encouraging, not just for me, but for the student and their family as well.
How has Coyle Education supported you in your role as a tutor?
Coyle Education has been very supportive throughout my journey. There are always clear communication, regular check-ins, and guidance when needed. Tutors are made to feel valued, and support is always available which makes a big difference when working with complex needs.
What do you enjoy most about tutoring?
Seeing students grow in confidence and independence is the most rewarding part. Helping a child overcome barriers to learning and realise their potential is incredibly fulfilling. I also really value the relationships built with students and families. Sometimes you work with a pupil for many months, even years, and you become a trusted, familiar part of their life.
How does tutoring fit into your long-term career goals?
Tutoring fits perfectly with my long-term goal of continuing to work in education and specialist support. It has deepened my understanding of individual learning needs and strengthened my skills. I intend to tutor for the rest of my life as it’s helped me grow both professionally and personally.
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a tutor for the first time?
Be patient, open-minded, and willing to learn from each student. No two learners are the same, especially those with additional needs. Focus on building relationships first, celebrate small wins, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Tutoring can be challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding. I genuinely love it!
Interested in Becoming a Tutor with Coyle Education?
Nicole’s story highlights just how rewarding tuition can be. From the relationships built with pupils, to the flexibility it offers, Tuition enables teaching professionals the chance to make a real difference to the lives of young people who need it most.
If you’re a qualified teacher, experienced tutor, or education professional with SEN experience and are considering specialist tuition, we’d love to hear from you.
Learn more about tuition roles with Coyle Education or apply today by submitting a quick register form on the Coyle Personnel website.