The student is a nice boy, well behaved, with a lovely demeanour. He is determined and well disciplined and the family place high value on academic diligence. He was born with some developmental delays, which have been largely conquered through effective therapies from a young age. He has slight residual speech impediments but is now ready for a mainstream school. He is changing from the British to the American system – he entered grade 6 in late August 2006.

This change of school has presented a number of challenges for the boy. His previous school had very small classes and a great deal of allowance was made for each student’s particular requirements. In addition, he followed the UK National Curriculum. The new (American) school expects him to keep up, and treats him the same as all the other students in a much larger class. Together with learning to manage the cut-and-thrust of a larger school, he will have to adapt to the contrasting approaches the US curriculum demands of students.

The tutor will work from home in the mornings, preparing resources as required, and then work with the boy after school, ensuring that schoolwork is fully understood and that homework is correct and complete, ready to turn in on time. The tutor will ensure that the student is properly prepared for quizzes, tests, and projects, across all his grade 6 subjects, together with the organisational support this entails. The tutor will also work on Sundays, as required, up to maximum of a further four hours.

On days when homework is light, or on occasions where the opportunity presents itself, the tutor should enjoy taking the boy outdoors to play/learn or just to play – he enjoys football and basketball. The tutor should also organise visits to museums, art galleries, and sites of interest.

There is an older sister (aged 14), who may also seek advice from the tutor about her work during the evening. She is artistic and creative, and does well in school.

The qualifications required for this position include a degree, QTS (5 years experience) and SEN training. In addition to his schoolwork, the boy will continue to receive special therapies, and the tutor must be able to offer support for this program. It is also essential that the tutor has recent experience of working with the US system and can appreciate the differences involved.

The tutor will typically work from home in the mornings, Monday to Thursday, liaising with the school and preparing materials needed for the afternoons. The tutor will then travel to the client’s home and work with the boy from 4pm until his homework is complete and everything is ready for the next day. The tutor will also be required for up to four hours on Sundays. Meals occurring during tutoring time will be taken with the family.

It is expected that the workload will average 36 hours per week. With reasonable notice, there may be occasions when the client asks the tutor to come in earlier, or stay later than usual. It is not expected that these variations will meet with resistance from the tutor, or incur an additional charge, unless these occurrences become frequent or significant.

Holiday entitlement is in keeping with the Terms of Business, ie. 9 weeks paid holiday per year.

There may be occasions when the tutor is asked to accompany the family on vacation; in such circumstances the client will cover all the tutor’s expenses.

Attributes – This position would suit a teacher who is fit and sporty, with a happy and pleasant demeanour. The tutor should be a non-smoker.

Travel – The client can make a car available to the tutor for local excursions with the boy – it is essential that the tutor has a clean driving licence.

Supervision – The Tutor should anticipate close contact with Tutors International throughout this assignment. Tutors International will be in regular contact with the family and will expect the tutor to respond to comments and feedback. Regular reports and updates will be required, including lesson plans. There will be progress meetings with the family, at least twice a term, which the tutor must attend together with Tutors International.