Home-School Tutoring Twickenham area was recently taken on by Nicola and we are delighted to welcome her to Home-School Tutoring. Her team of tutors is expanding and tutoring lessons can be provided for all levels and the various subjects requested by parents and students in the region.
We know that tutors and clients are so interested to know more about their Area Advisors, including the experience they have had in education and the particular interests and skills they bring to the role, so we asked Nicola to tell us more about herself.
Q: What were you doing before becoming taking on Home-School Tutoring and what is your background in education?
I was giving private tuition in English to local students and working for an organisation that provided tuition for ‘looked-after’ children. I qualified in Art originally and taught in a mainstream secondary school but then gravitated towards Special Educational Needs and smaller groups. I worked in various SEN settings including a school for students with moderate and severe learning difficulties then worked for my local borough which provided alternative education for students who were too ill to attend school.
Q. You are passionate about learning and education. Why and what drives you towards this?
I have always wanted to help people, especially needy or vulnerable children. I delight in seeing children progress, whether academically or emotionally. When you get a breakthrough with a particularly needy or unhappy student it makes all the hard work worthwhile. I love to gear my sessions towards the individual’s needs and believe that emotional development is just as important as educational.
Q: Have you tutored as well and, if so, how did you find the experience?
Yes, I have tutored extensively since I was an NQT, starting with after- school tuition, then daytime tuition for ill students or others who were educated at home. I find one to one tutoring is particularly effective in identifying the individual needs of a student and resulting in their progress. There are many reasons a student might not flourish in a normal classroom setting, and tuition can be the answer for those students to find their confidence again.
Q. What drew you to this role of becoming an Associate Business of Home-School Tutoring UK and to becoming the Area Advisor for Twickenham?
I had already worked as a tutor for Home-School Tutoring UK in the past, for two of the previous area advisors, so I knew of the organisation and how it worked. When I realised my local area needed a new Advisor my husband suggested I applied for it. Margaret and her family and other Area Advisors have been so supportive and helpful that they have made the process of setting up the area both enjoyable and seamless.
Q. What makes HST Twickenham different to other tutoring agencies in London (or surrounding areas?)
HST is different to other agencies in that there is a personal touch with the Area Advisors being local to the area they manage; we know the area, the schools and the demographic, so we are in the best position to advise parents and find them a tutor. I like the way the Area Advisors take time in allocating students an appropriate tutor; we are able to match tutors to students as we get to know our tutors well. It is not a faceless organisation just out for financial gain, we genuinely care about the well- being and progress of our students.
Q. What do you hope to offer?
I hope to offer bespoke tuition for many differing needs and make a name for HST Twickenham in the local area. I would like to work with parents, local schools and colleges, charities and other organisations to provide excellent effective and individualised tuition that will help students develop and flourish. I want to be able to offer advice to local parents on the education of their children and help them find the most appropriate and effective path for them to learn and progress.
Q. What do you look for in a tutor?
I like my tutors to be passionate about the subject they teach, and the progress of their students. They need to be knowledgeable in their subject, and genuinely care about their students’ education. Patience and enthusiasm are essential, and kindness.
If you live in the Twickenham area and are considering tuition for your child or you are a qualified tutor, passionate about learning and education, please do get in touch with Nicola today:
Nicola Cartlich Walker BA ( Hons) PGCE
T: 0208 582 2027 M: 07594 253506
E: nicola.walker@homeschooltutoring.co.uk
Home-School Tutoring requires all tutors to complete an enhanced DBS check before they can be accepted onto its register, and Nicola will check all certificates and references.