We are delighted to welcome Judy Ross, who recently took on Home-School Tutoring West Yorkshire: combining both Leeds and Bradford and Huddersfield and Wakefield areas.
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 Judy to tell us a bit more about herself.
Q: What were you doing prior to owning and running Home-School Tutoring West Yorkshire?
I’ve been in education in various roles for nearly 30 years. I have been a teacher, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENco) and deputy head in various primary schools across West Yorkshire. I have been involved in supporting SENCos in schools and developing bespoke training around SEN. Just before becoming an Area Advisor, I was a Senior Education Officer with the SEN Assessment Team of a local authority, supporting families through the statutory process of obtaining Education and Health Care Plans.
Q. You are passionate about learning and education. What drives you towards this?
I believe that education is everything. I love learning and have always wanted to develop that love with the students I have taught. I’ve done this through creating exciting learning opportunities, through promoting independence and confidence and through getting students to question and become curious. The ‘light bulb moment’ when a new concept or idea suddenly makes sense is a great thing to see.
Q: Have you tutored as well and, if so, how did you find the experience?
I have tutored for a few years now and continue to do so. I love the fact that in tutoring, you can personalise the learning as much as you need to ensure your student understands and makes progress. Many children thrive with the individual attention and away from the pressures of the classroom.
Q.What drew you to this role of becoming an Associate Business of Home-School Tutoring UK and to becoming the Area Advisor for West Yorkshire?
I had looked at Area Advisor opportunities with HST a couple of years ago but then became heavily involved in SEN. Rather than renew my contract this year, I decided that I wanted to change direction and I returned to HST to see what was available. I was very excited when I found out that there was the possibility of getting the licence for Leeds and Bradford. And then I decided that I would also take on Wakefield and Huddersfield to create a cohesive West Yorkshire area.
Q.What makes HST West Yorkshire different to other tutoring agencies?
A lot of other agencies have a ‘one size fits all’ approach – I know because I used to tutor for one! I love the fact that HST is a bespoke service and that we can arrange tutoring for whatever your need. I am getting to know my tutors really well now and I am able to match tutors and families successfully. It can also be a bit of a minefield for parents when it comes down to ensuring your tutor is suitably qualified and checked. We shoulder some of that responsibility for parents by ensuring our safeguarding and qualification checks are thorough and that all our tutors have up to date DBS certificates.
Q. What do you hope to offer?
I want to build a reputation for HST West Yorkshire as providing high quality tutoring experiences. I am lucky to be increasing my team of experienced and enthusiastic tutors.
From experience and from talking to many families, I know that traditional schooling does not always meet the needs of all learners. I would like to be able to extend the support we already offer to families who are part of the home-education / home schooling community and find some innovative educational experiences for them.
For tutors I would like to offer some professional development opportunities and a chance to meet up regularly to become part of a tutoring community.
Q. What kind of things do you look for in a tutor?
I need my tutors to be:
- passionate about teaching and learning;
- patient and calm with learners who are less confident
- creative and innovative and not afraid to try something different
- flexible and supportive of the family
Q. What are you working on the at the moment?
At the moment my priority is to build up a fabulous team of tutors across the whole of the West Yorkshire region. It’s a large area and there is a lot of demand for tutoring services so I need a big team of tutors to fulfil that demand. I need lots of maths and English tutors but also less obvious subjects – I have recently registered a latin tutor after a request from a client and I a fortunate to have tutors who teach English as a second language, teaching adult learners as well.
If there is anyone out there who thinks they have what it takes to be a tutor, please do get in touch and if you are considering tuition for your child, please don’t hesitate to contact me for a free no-obligation chat.
Judy Ross BA (Hons), MA(Ed), PGCE
T: 0113 2295336
M: 07306 018081
E: judy.ross@homeschooltutoring.co.uk