FAQs
Before reaching out, you might find your answer in our FAQs section. It covers a wide range of topics, including account setup and premium membership benefits.
LEARNER FAQs
1. How much does it cost?
Nothing! It’s completely free for learners!
2. How do I sign up as a learner?
Simply go to the sign-up page, select learner and fill in your personal details, needs and requirements.
3. What kind of tutors are on The Learning Compass?
Our tutors here at the Learning Compass speak a diverse range of languages and have experience and training in supporting learners with diverse needs, including neurodiversity and multilingual backgrounds. They use tailored strategies to help you succeed in your learning goals.
4. Are all tutors qualified teachers?
No. Not all tutors on The Learning Compass will be qualified teachers. This is because some tutors will still be working towards their qualifications, or will have a background in psychology, therapy or another mental health or education-related field. However, we require all tutors to have a DBS check, references and experience.
5. Is there an age limit to sign up as a learner?
No. There is no age limit and anyone can sign up as a learner. However, if a learner is under the age of 18, an adult (sibling, parent or guardian) must sign up on their behalf.
6. How do I find a tutor who speaks my language?
Our platform allows you to filter tutors by language. Simply select your preferred language in the search filters to find tutors who can teach or speak that language.
7. Can tutors accommodate my specific learning needs?
Yes, our tutors are experienced in working with neurodiverse learners and can tailor their teaching methods to your unique needs. You can filter by your needs when searching for a tutor and you can discuss your requirements during the initial consultation using the in-built messaging system to ensure a good match.
8. What if I have a need or requirement that is not listed?
Please contact us if there is a need, requirement or language you would like to be added to The Learning Compass.
9. What is the bulletin and who is it for?
The bulletin is for learners to post their requirements and needs if they are short on time or their tutor search does not bring up any results. The learner post will go out to all premium tutors signed up to the platform. If a tutor can help or knows someone who can help, they will be able to reach out to you directly.
10. How do I know if a tutor has experience with my type of neurodiversity?
Tutor profiles include detailed information about their experience and expertise. You can also ask tutors further about their experience using the built-in messaging system.
11. Will my personal details be disclosed?
No. You have full control over this. You can communicate with tutors using the built-in messaging system, meaning you don’t have to provide an email address or phone number until you are comfortable with your choice of tutor. If you are proceeding with face-to-face tuition, remember that you must also provide your home address. For full details, please see our privacy policy.
12. What subjects can I get help with?
Our tutors offer support in a wide range of subjects, from academic topics like maths, sciences, and languages to skills-based learning such as coding, music, and more. Use the search function to find a tutor for your specific subject needs. If there is a subject you need help with but isn’t on there, please contact us and we can add this in the next update.
13. How do I schedule a session with a tutor?
Once you’ve found a tutor you like, you can use the platform’s built-in messaging tool to message a tutor and book a session. You cannot physically book a session using the platform as this needs to be done with the tutors directly. Remember to double-check their availability and fees.
14. Are tutors employed by The Learning Compass?
No. All tutors and tuition organisations are self-employed and use The Learning Compass to display their experience and talents to you. The Learning Compass platform facilitates your search for the specific tutor you are looking for.
15. What if I need to reschedule or cancel a session?
Ensure that you check each tutor’s cancellation policy and double-check this with them before booking. You can reschedule or cancel a session directly with them, either by messaging them through the platform or if you have already exchanged contact details, you can contact them using those. Most tutors will have a flexible policy to accommodate unexpected changes.
16. Are the tutoring sessions held online or in person?
Both! Different tutors will offer different teaching methods but most tutors will provide flexibility both online and in person if they are in your area.
17. How do I communicate my learning goals and challenges to my tutor?
When you initially reach out to a tutor you think matches your needs, use the built-in messaging system to discuss your learning goals, preferred learning styles, and any challenges you face. This helps the tutor to develop a personalised learning plan for you.
18. What if I’m not satisfied with my tutor?
If you feel that the tutor is not a good fit, you can try another tutor. Double-check their cancellation policy before booking with them so you know what the process is. Give them honest feedback and explain why you think they may not be the right fit for you.
19. How do I pay for tutoring sessions?
Payments are made directly to the tutors so make sure you discuss payment with them before booking. Some tutors only take advanced block bookings, some will do pay-as-you-go and others will take monthly payments after sending an invoice. Most tutors will provide you with their bank details if they are self-employed.
20. Are there any resources or materials provided?
This will depend. Many tutors provide additional resources such as worksheets, practice problems, and reading materials. These are often tailored to your specific needs and can be accessed through the platform. Please check what is included before you book as some tutors will take extra for expenses such as resources or mileage.
21. Is there a trial session available?
Many tutors offer a trial session or a short introductory meeting to ensure a good fit. When first reaching out to a tutor, ask them if they offer a trial session. Some tutors will offer this for free or at a discounted rate or not at all.
22. How do I track my progress?
Tutors often provide regular updates on your progress and areas for improvement. You can also set specific milestones and goals to track your development over time. Discuss this with your tutor beforehand so all expectations are clear before you start your sessions.
23. Can I get help with exam preparation?
Yes, many of our tutors are experienced in helping learners prepare for various exams. They can provide practice exams, study strategies, and time management tips. If you are looking for a specific exam, you can post it on the bulletin and ask tutors directly.
24. What is an EHCP?
An EHCP stands for an Education Health Care Plan. It is a detailed plan for children and young people (aged 0-25) who have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). It combines information from education, health, and social care to make sure the individual gets the right support in all areas of their life. This plan is used by schools, colleges, and other services to make sure the child’s needs are met effectively.
25. How can I get an EHCP?
You can request an assessment from your local council. You may need to provide evidence from doctors, psychologists or the child’s educational establishment.
TUTOR FAQs
1. Who can sign up as a tutor?
We welcome anyone with a passion for teaching, supporting or mentoring to sign up as a tutor. You need to be over 18, have a clean DBS and have some experience or be studying towards a qualification.
2. How much experience do I need?
We would love for tutors to have at least 1 year of experience working with neurodiverse learners in a professional or personal capacity OR be working towards a qualification for at least 2 years. This can be across various industries and related fields such as psychology, therapy, or education.
3. Do I need to be multilingual to sign up?
It is not compulsory to be bilingual or multilingual however please bear in mind that many of our learners will not speak English or will speak English as a second language.
4. How do I sign up as a tutor?
You can sign up on our platform by creating a basic profile and then upgrading to premium for the additional features. Fill in your details, including your experience, expertise, and availability, and upload all your documents.
5. What documents do I need to sign up?
To sign up, you will need a valid form of ID (passport, driving license), a valid DBS, qualification certificates, proof of study if applicable, a personal and educational/professional reference, and an updated CV.
6. What is the difference between the basic and the premium subscription packages?
The basic package allows you to access the search page and member area. Learners will be able to message you if they think your skills are a good match.
In addition to this, premium tutors can message learners directly if they think they can support them.
They will also receive notifications from the learner bulletin when a learner posts their requirements.
They will be featured on the homepage and learners can click straight through to their profile.
They will also come up at the top of tutor searches and will have access to exclusive rates for public liability and indemnity insurance.
7. How much is each package?
The basic package is free and the premium package is £33.99 per month – which is roughly the cost of 1-2 tuition sessions. So after just 1-2 sessions per month, your fee will be covered.
8. Does The Learning Compass charge a commission?
No, there are no commission charges.
9. Can I switch between the packages?
Yes, you can upgrade and downgrade at any time. To upgrade, follow the links to the premium subscription page and enter your direct debit details. To downgrade, cancel your premium package via your account page. Alternatively, email our team using the page and we will take you off the premium package and put you back onto basic. You will lose access to the features immediately.
10. I don’t have a teaching qualification – can I still join?
10. I don’t have a teaching qualification – can I still join?
Yes absolutely, we welcome tutors from all related industries such as psychology, psychotherapy and childcare.
11. I do not have any experience in teaching or tutoring – can I still sign up?
It is not necessary to have experience in tutoring or teaching specifically as we also welcome individuals from a psychologist or therapy background who have worked with neurodiverse learners. We will also consider applications from people who have neurodiverse family members and who have experience supporting and mentoring in a particular language. We may ask for more references if this is the case and we will consider this on a case-by-case basis.
12. I only have experience in one type of neurodiverse need – is that okay?
Yes, of course, learners need to be aware if you have one specialist skillset as you might turn out to be the perfect tutor they had in mind.
13. How do I set my rates?
There is no set rate for tutoring as it varies from tutor to tutor. When deciding, you need to consider your location, your experience, the subjects you teach and any travel expenses. It is worth signing up to some local tutoring groups on platforms such as Facebook to see what the going rate is in your area.
However, it is worth noting that many learners who have just come into the country or who do not speak English may not have a lot of money to invest straight away.
14. How do I get paid?
All payments will be taken directly by you through whatever method you choose. If you would like any advice on how to do this, feel free to contact us. Many tutors will send out monthly invoices or do pay as you go depending on how many tutees you have. But please decide on this before starting any sessions so you can be clear with the learners who contact you.
15. Is there a set contract for a minimum number of months?
No there is no set contract and you can cancel at any time. However, the discount on your insurance policy will also be canceled so we do recommend keeping your contract going.
16. When will money be taken from my account?
The money will come out of your account 4-5 working days AFTER you sign up.
17. Is there a cooling-off period when I first sign up as a premium tutor?
Yes, there is a 14-day cooling-off period where you can cancel and get your money back straightaway if you do not want to continue your subscription. You will only be entitled to a full refund within 14 days following the day you signed up.
18. How do I upload my documents?
When creating your profile, there is an option at the bottom where all documents can be scanned and uploaded. References can be handwritten, signed then scanned or can be written in Word, signed and uploaded as a PDF. Please include an email address with each reference.
19. What insurance premiums do you offer?
We offer discounted rates exclusive for The Learning Compass tutors for public liability and indemnity insurance. These are specific to individuals working with neurodiverse learners.
For more information, please click on the link provided within your member area as this will take you to our insurance partner’s page.
20. What is public liability insurance?
This protects you against claims made by learners for injuries or property damage that occur because of your teaching and business activities.
Example: During a tutoring session at a student’s home, you accidentally knock over and break an expensive vase. Public liability insurance would cover the cost of replacing the vase.
OR
A learner slips on a laptop bag you left in the hallway and injures themselves. If they decide to sue for medical expenses, public liability insurance would cover the legal costs and any compensation.
21. What is professional indemnity insurance?
This insurance protects professionals and businesses against claims made by clients for losses or damages resulting from negligent services or advice provided.
Example: You give a student incorrect advice that leads to them performing poorly in an important exam. The parents claim this resulted in the student not getting into their desired school and sue for educational damages. Professional indemnity insurance would cover the legal expenses and any compensation.
OR
You fail to notice a significant mistake in a student’s work, which leads to them submitting it incorrectly and facing academic penalties. The student’s parents could claim for the loss caused by your oversight. Indemnity insurance would cover the costs associated with such a claim.
22. Is insurance compulsory?
You don’t need to be covered however we highly recommend having insurance as a sole trader so that you are protected from any occurrences that are not your fault. It is impossible to know when an accident could happen. Both types of insurance help protect self-employed tutors from different kinds of risks, ensuring that an unforeseen accident or a claim of professional negligence doesn’t lead to financial ruin.
23. Can I join even though I have another job?
Yes of course. Some tutors do this full-time time whereas others do this on the weekends or part-time. Some tutors even do this as a side hobby due to their passion for their subject. It all depends on your life and how you wish to work. However, some companies and schools do not allow their employees to tutor part-time due to a conflict of interest so we recommend checking your full-time contract before starting.
24. Are resources provided?
We do not provide any resources and expect all tutors to source and provide their own resources and textbooks.
25. I have a tuition business where a group of tutors work for me – can I still advertise my services on your platform?
Yes. If you have a tuition business, you can advertise your services through our platform. Just make this very clear in your profile that you have multiple tutors working for you. We recommend posting your website link in your profile however please upgrade to premium to do this.
26. Do I need to book free trial sessions with my learners?
Not necessarily. It is completely up to you whether you want to offer free sessions to learners. You can also offer discounted sessions if that suits you better.
27. How long do my sessions need to be with my learners?
Again this is completely up to you but when working with neurodiverse learners, we would not recommend any sessions over an hour.
28. Is it compulsory to upload a profile picture?
No however we highly recommend uploading a professional profile picture so learners have an idea of who you are.
29. I am retired from teaching – can I still join as a tutor?
Yes of course! We would love to have as many tutors as possible from all walks of life and at all stages of their tutoring journey.
30. Do I need to pay my own taxes if I am a self-employed tutor?
Yes, if you are a sole trader or self-employed, you will need to pay taxes yourself through HMRC. For more information, please visit the government website for support and advice:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/self-employment-detailed-information
31. Will my account be visible if I have not uploaded my documents (DBS, ID, etc.)
Yes, learners will be able to see your account however we HIGHLY recommend you upload your documents as soon as possible. If you have not uploaded any identification or a DBS within 2 weeks of joining and we have not heard from you, your account may be at risk of being deleted.
GO PREMIUM
Upgrade to premium and receive exclusive member benefits and discounts.
For a monthly payment of just £33.99, elevate your tutoring experience and maximise your opportunities to teach more students!
This is a great way to become noticed and spread awareness of your skills and capabilities.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS BELOW:
- Unlimited access to the tutor bulletin.
- Receive email notification when a learner posts on the bulletin. (Read more about the bulletin in the FAQs above).
- Reach out to students through the internal messaging platform rather than waiting for them to come to you.
- Publish a tagline on your profile.
- Publish your website or LinkedIn page on your profile.
- Come top in student searches.
- Be featured on the homepage.
- Receive exclusive discounts to public liability and indemnity insurance specific to tutors working with neurodiverse students.
YOUR EASY ROUTE TO THE PERFECT TUTOR
Start your search by entering your postcode below…ENQUIRIES
For media, business or general enquiries
- hello@thelearningcompass.co.uk
- 128 City Road
London
EClV 2NX
