Think about the goal.
A specific subject, exam preparation or confidence in the classroom? A clear starting point helps a tutor understand what matters.
For parents & guardiansYou know
You know
their potential.
Let’s support it.
Whether they need a confidence boost, a new way to understand or room to stretch, finding a tutor is a step you can take together.
Find support for your child
Their pace.Their possibility.
Finding the right fitStart with your child.
Start with your child.
Then the checklist.
Make the practical things work.
Consider curriculum, language, location, budget and times. Online lessons can open up more options.
Have a real conversation.
Ask about teaching experience, their approach and references. Include your child’s questions and notice how they feel about the fit.
Clear information. Informed choices.What a verification
Read the parent & guardian terms ↗
What a verification
badge tells you.
Where a profile carries a verification badge, TUTSA has checked the relevant identity and qualification documents.
It covers paperwork.
An identity document or passport matched to the tutor’s name, and a review of qualification documents.
Your judgement still matters.
It does not assess teaching ability, guarantee results or include a criminal record check. Ask questions, check references and decide what is right for your child.
The first conversationSix questions.
Six questions.
A clearer picture.
You do not need to interview someone like an expert. A few practical questions can tell you how they work and whether the arrangement makes sense for your family.
Which curriculum do you teach?
Name the school programme and the exact subject. Ask about the tutor’s recent experience with it, including the learner’s level and any specific course or examination requirements. The subject name alone does not tell you everything about the work.
If you are unsure of the curriculum or course code, check with the school before the first lesson. That gives the tutor a clearer starting point.
Have you taught this grade recently?
Ask what age groups and grades the tutor currently supports. A learner developing early foundations may need a different pace and style from someone preparing for matric.
Share how your child feels about the subject and what happens when they get stuck. Look for an explanation of how the tutor would adapt to that learner, rather than just a list of topics they can cover.
How would you find the starting point?
Ask what the tutor would want to see before planning the first sessions. Examples of classwork or an assessment can help you discuss whether the challenge is understanding, applying a method, managing time or something else.
Keep the first goal manageable. You can review it once the tutor and learner have had a chance to work together.
What do you need from us?
Discuss materials, a suitable space and any preparation between lessons. For online sessions, check the device, connection, platform and how written work will be shared.
Agree on a time your learner can sustain alongside school and other commitments. A practical arrangement is easier to maintain than an ambitious timetable that creates more pressure.
How will we review progress?
Ask what feedback you can expect and when you will check in. You might look for clearer explanations, more independent attempts or better use of a method, alongside school results.
Give your child a chance to share how the lessons feel. Agree on a review point so everyone can discuss what is helping and what may need to change.
What are the lesson arrangements?
Confirm the hourly or session fee, lesson length, payment timing and any travel charges. Ask about cancellations, missed sessions and rescheduling before committing.
Those arrangements are between you and the independent tutor. Keep a written record of what you agree so the practical side of lessons is clear from the beginning.
A comfortable place to learnKeep the practical
Keep the practical
precautions in place.
A profile is the beginning of getting to know someone. Before arranging lessons for a minor, speak to the tutor, ask for references and think through the setting together.
In-person lessons
Use an appropriate shared area and keep a parent or responsible adult nearby. Discuss who will be present, how the lesson will run and how you want the tutor to communicate with you.
Online lessons
Set up the learner’s device in a shared space. Agree on the platform and how invitations, files and messages will be handled. Stay involved in the arrangement, especially for younger learners.
Information you share
A first enquiry needs learning context, not identity numbers or a detailed home address. Share only what is relevant, and discuss any sensitive information privately once you understand who will receive it.
Your questions, answered
The details around the lessons.
Do families pay TUTSA anything?
No. Browsing the directory and sending enquiries are free. You pay your tutor directly for the lessons you agree on. Tutors have a separate listing membership with TUTSA.
What if my child needs help in several subjects?
Some tutors list more than one subject. Check their profile and ask whether they can support the combination you need. You can also contact different tutors for different subjects. Each enquiry goes to the tutor you choose.
Can we arrange a short block before exams?
Ask the tutor about their availability for the period and share the exam dates and topics. The scope, number of sessions and fees are agreed directly. Availability is not guaranteed by a directory listing.
What if we need to stop or change tutors?
Discuss the cancellation or notice terms you agreed with your current tutor. There is no parent membership to cancel with TUTSA, and you can return to the directory to explore other options.
What if there is no tutor near us?
Try a broader area or choose online lessons. The directory shows the profiles currently available for your filter combination; an empty result does not stop you from exploring a different lesson format.
How do I raise a concern about a profile?
Contact TUTSA with the tutor’s profile link and a clear description of the concern. Avoid including unnecessary personal information about your child. The team can review the report and the relevant profile information.
One step at a timeThe next chapter
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