SEN tutoring has become more visible and widely available in the UK. This guide explains what a Special Educational Needs tutor does, who can benefit from tutoring, how tutoring fits with school and therapy, and what to expect in the first session. If you are new to SEN, you may also find our primer helpful: Understanding SEN.
Who benefits from an SEN tutor?
An SEN tutor supports students who learn differently or need extra help to access learning confidently and safely. We regularly work with students looking for either general SEN advice or tutoring, or specific support, including:
- Autism: support with flexible help, creating a calm learning environment, clear communication, and exam adjustments. See also: Useful Strategies for Autistic Learners
- ADHD: planning, finding time to focus, strengthening working memory, and study routines that fit the student’s interests. See: Key Qualities of an ADHD Tutor or Coach
- Dyslexia: reading, spelling, writing clearly and confidently, and using assistive technology. See also: Dyslexia Tutoring vs English Tutoring
- Dyscalculia: number sense, methods for problem-solving, and visual models for Maths.
- Co-occurring needs: anxiety, sensory differences, demand avoidance, executive function.
You do not need a diagnosis to start getting support. Tutoring and coaching can help everyone and anyone.
What an SEN tutor actually does
A good SEN tutor provides structure from the start to give consistent progress.
- First Meeting - Book a short call to explain the student's goals, strengths, concerns, timetable, and any reports or school input.
- Custom plan - Build objectives that align with school targets and, if relevant, EHCP outcomes. The plan explains how progress will be tracked and how parents can help between sessions.
- Sessions - A low-pressure introduction to reduce anxiety.
- Home practice - Short tasks to maintain momentum. Parents might receive instructions on how to support at home.
- Liaison - Occasionally, the tutor keeps in touch with the SENCO, so school and home support the same strategies.
- Reviews - Regular check-ins every 4–6 weeks. Progress is summarised and next steps discussed.
- Safeguarding and quality - At Sunbeam, every tutor is interviewed, safeguarding-trained, insured, and holds an Enhanced DBS certificate.
SEN tutor vs teacher vs therapist vs coach
These roles often overlap. The differences are about primary focus and setting.
- SEN tutor - Focuses on learning access and curriculum progress in a low-pressure, 1:1 setting. Bridges gaps in school and supports the student’s needs. Coordinates with families.
- Coach - Builds routines, organisation, and motivation. Useful for students in exam years or those struggling with SEN challenges, such as organisation, more than a specific subject. Our SEN tutors integrate coaching elements within subject work.
- Teacher (school or classroom) - Deliver the curriculum to a class. Provides adjustments, but time is shared and may be sparse.
- Therapist (e.g., Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist) - Targets clinical or developmental goals. Therapy informs learning, and tutors can embed therapist advice in day-to-day study.
The right combination depends on your goals. For example, a student might see an occupational therapist for handwriting and movement, while an SEN tutor handles English coursework and study skills.
How to tell it’s time to hire
It can be hard to judge the right moment to look for an SEN tutor. I recommend looking beyond exam results; the clearest sign is stress. If schoolwork regularly ends in distress, if strategies at home are no longer enough, or if support at school is lacking, tutoring can steady things and improve confidence.
Parents typically contact us when they notice one or more of the following:
- Growing anxiety about schoolwork, homework, or exams.
- Frequent tears, shutdowns, or meltdowns around learning.
- A widening gap between ability and output.
- Slow, effortful reading or spelling that is not improving.
- Organisation difficulties that hinder homework or revision.
- Long waits for assessment or support, and you want help now.
- An EHCP with outcomes that need regular, practical input at home.
As a rule of thumb, if two or more of these signs persist for three to four weeks, or a key deadline is within eight to twelve weeks, it is sensible to start.
Tutoring complements school and therapy, aligns with SENCO plans and EHCP outcomes, and gives immediate support while you pursue assessment or wait for services. A short block can reduce pressure quickly and help you feel confident again.
What a first session looks like with Sunbeam Tutors
- Before the session - We start with a short, 20-minute, free introduction to confirm tutor availability and any access needs. You can find a tutor who has relevant experience, let them know what support is needed, and choose a tutor that you connect well with. All Sunbeam tutors are interviewed, safeguarding-trained, insured, and hold an Enhanced DBS.
- Setup - Online sessions ensure the tech is comfortable and easy to use. For in-person sessions, agree on a quiet workspace.
- Low-pressure starting tasks - Short activities to learn how both student and tutor like to work. The aim is to make the student feel safe and capable.
- Clear next steps - Parents receive an update summary after each five-lesson block, including the plan for the next 4-6 sessions and how progress will be reviewed.
Ready to find a tutor or coach? Book a free 20-minute call, and we will advise on the best next step for you.
