FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All lessons are scheduled for one hour. This will generally consist of 50 minutes of one-on-one learning, along with a 10-minute grace period. This allows your child a few minutes to prepare for the lesson, have a general chat about what they’ve been learning at school and ensure they feel comfortable, as well as a few minutes to conclude at the end. If required, the length of tutoring lessons can be adjusted to suit the specific needs and schedule of your child.

How regularly you would like to schedule lessons depends on your child’s availability and the desired outcomes for tutoring. For example, you can choose to schedule a regular weekly session, or schedule several sessions within one week in preparation for an assignment or assessment. My schedule is flexible and I will work with you to determine how best we can meet your child’s needs.

– English – reading, writing, speaking and listening, grammar, spelling, handwriting

– Math – arithmetic, times table support, any subject area (Number and Operations, Fractions, Algebraic Thinking, Measurement and Data, Geometry, Problem Solving)

– Homework assistance

– Test preparation for any type of test – whether that be a class test or a standardized national test

– Other topics of interest in Science, History, Geography, and Travel

– If you have a specific topic in mind which is not listed, please visit the ‘Contact’ page to enquire

A laptop, desktop computer (with a webcam), or tablet with a stable Internet connection is required, as well as some paper and pencil for writing. You will also need video communication software installed. Generally, we use Skype.

The vast majority of people have Internet speeds suitable for Skype video calls, but we ask that you test this from the location your child will be learning, with the device they’ll be using. To do so, you can run a speed test – we recommend https://www.speedtest.net/. Skype suggests a minimum 1.5Mbps download and upload speed (please check both) for the best experience.

Please note, if your current Internet speeds are insufficient, there may be simple ways to improve this, such as restricting background data on your device.

Our primary video communication services are Zoom and Skype. 

These platforms allow for screen sharing, meaning that documents, images, or a whiteboard can be shared, making it easy to work through homework or a problem, illustrate a point with a diagram, or download online resources.

Skype and Zoom only require 1.5Mbps download and upload speed. You can test the speed of your Internet connection at https://www.speedtest.net/. Please note, if your internet speed isn’t sufficient, there are likely to be simple solutions to improve this.

Everyone can experience technical issues from time to time and internet isn’t always perfect. If this occurs during a lesson and we need to exit the video call, your child will receive a Skype call back immediately. If we cannot connect again via Skype, I will message the number you’ve provided so you’re aware. You will also be able to call or message me.

I will always try to do the right thing by you and your child; client satisfaction is of the utmost importance to me. If a connection issue occurs toward to the end of a lesson and has minimal impact, lost time will be made up in a subsequent lesson. However, should this occur early on or mid-way through, a full replacement lesson will be rescheduled at no additional cost, or a refund/credit arranged if preferred.

Please see the bottom of the ‘Services’ page for more information. Discounts are available for regular clients, so please get in touch and a quote can be provided.

Payment via bank transfer (to an American, British, or Australian account) is preferred, however PayPal is also accepted (please note, these incur a 3% surcharge). Please get in touch if you would like to use a different method.

I am very experienced in working with children who have special needs and learning disabilities. I have worked in multiple special needs units attached to mainstream schools, as well as provided specialized support and intervention outside of the classroom in different schools. In addition to this, I’ve taught many children who have special needs and learning disabilities within the classroom, as well as tutored in a private setting. Some of these include: Autism, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and anxiety.

Yes. For every child you refer that signs up for multiple lessons, your child will be entitled to a free one-hour lesson!

Lessons are not recorded without your permission. You can opt to have lessons recorded; please be aware that participants of Skype are automatically notified when recording occurs. Recordings will be kept for 30 days unless otherwise advised in writing.

Yes. I’m lucky to have many testimonials from happy clients.  Some of these are included on the ‘Why’ section of the website. If you would like more information, please get in touch.

To schedule a lesson, please email nat@thefarawayteacher.com with your preferred days and times (including your time zone). I will generally respond to you within 24 hours.

If you need to cancel, classes can be rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice at no cost. To allow additional flexibility for those who have pre-purchased 10 lessons, one class in every ten purchased can be re-scheduled within an hour of the lesson starting time. Additional notice is always appreciated.

Yes, having taught for years in schools in Australia and in England, I am familiar with the curricula of each country, and the expectations for children’s learning at each grade level. I am experienced in teaching Australian and English grammar, spelling, and writing standards. I have also taught US customary units and British imperial units.

In addition to this, I have been involved in the standardized testing process in California, USA (STAR – Standardized Testing And Reporting), England (SATs – Statutory Assessment Tests), and Australia (NAPLAN – National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy).

Yes! I don’t have a fixed address, which means I can structure my hours around your needs. 

My destinations are planned well in advance, with fast internet speeds and my ability to adhere to existing schedules being the first two criteria considered. 

No matter what time zone you’re in, I will always do my best to ensure your child receives tutoring at a time which suits your needs and theirs.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Click the link below or email nat@thefarawayteacher.com for assistance.