How to Find the Right SEN Tutor for Dyslexia, ADHD & More
1:1 Tutoring
Finding the right tutor for your child can feel overwhelming, especially when your child has unique learning needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, or ASD. You want someone highly qualified, deeply understanding, and capable of delivering tailored, one-to-one support that boosts confidence and academic success.
As a private SEN tutor in Reading, Basingstoke, Newbury and London, specialising in 1:1 support for neurodiverse children and supporting families online across the UK, here’s my practical guide to help you find the best possible match for your child.
Providing SEN tutoring advice
1. Start With a Clear Understanding of Your Child’s Needs
Before you begin your tutor search, try to define what kind of support your child needs. Are they struggling with reading, writing or spelling? Is attention, focus, or organisation an issue? Has your child been diagnosed with a learning difficulty or are you still at the early stage of seeking an assessment?
Even if you don’t yet have a diagnosis, early support can make a huge difference. Many families come to me while they are still navigating referrals for private assessments or exploring whether their child may be neurodiverse.
2. Choose a Specialist - Not a Generalist!
Children with additional needs benefit from tutors who go beyond subject knowledge. Look for professionals with:
Specific SEN qualifications (such as SpLD certification, BDA-approved status, or specialist training in ADHD and ASD)
Proven experience with neurodiverse learners
A multi-sensory teaching style, especially important for children with dyslexia
An ability to scaffold learning, develop emotional regulation, and build executive functioning skills
If you're looking for a private SEN tutor ask directly about their expertise with dyslexia, ADHD, or other learning differences.
3. Ask the Right Questions
When speaking to potential tutors, consider asking:
What experience do you have with dyslexia, ADHD, or ASD?
What strategies do you use to support children with attention difficulties?
How do you adapt lessons to meet individual needs?
Do you liaise with schools, SENCOs, or other professionals?
Can you provide testimonials or case studies?
A good tutor will welcome your questions and offer a trial session to assess compatibility and approach.
4. Understand What Great SEN Tutoring Looks Like
Effective specialist tutoring should be:
Highly personalised: tailored to your child’s pace, strengths, and learning profile
Emotionally supportive: focused on building resilience, not just results
Practical and structured: offering clear routines, consistency, and encouragement
Collaborative: working alongside parents, schools, and other professionals where needed
Local families in Hampshire, Berkshire, and West London can also access specialist tutoring and ADHD coaching through in-person or virtual sessions.
5. Consider Format, Frequency and Fit
SEN tutoring is not one-size-fits-all. For some children, private dyslexia or face-to-face SEN tutoring can provide the grounding and presence they need. Others may thrive online offering ADHD coaching or virtual SEN tutoring, especially if they’re older or prefer the comfort of their own home.
Consistency is more important than intensity. Weekly sessions, ideally at the same time each week, help establish routine and trust. Choose a tutor who makes your child feel comfortable, heard, and understood.
6. Build a Joined-Up Support System
The best SEN tutoring doesn’t exist in isolation. I work closely with schools, SENCOs, educational psychologists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, behavioural optometrists and parents to ensure your child receives joined-up, meaningful support. If your child has an EHCP, we can work towards shared goals. If you’re preparing for entrance exams or transitioning between schools, I can build strategies for success that reduce stress and increase confidence.
7. Know What You’re Paying For
Specialist tutoring is an investment. For an experienced SEN tutor, fees will be £70 to £100+ per session depending on qualifications and experience. For that, you should expect:
Bespoke lesson planning
Holistic support (not just subject tuition)
Progress tracking
Communication and updates as needed
And most importantly, your child feeling empowered, supported and more confident in their learning.
Making the right choice
Why the Right SEN Tutor Makes All the Difference
The right SEN tutor can be life-changing. They help your child feel seen, safe and capable, not just in the classroom, but in themselves.
If you’re looking for private tutoring for neurodiverse children, support with executive functioning, or a dyslexia or ADHD specialist tutor in Newbury, Basingstoke, Reading Berkshire, Hampshire, London or online, I’d be happy to help. Book a Consultation | Neurodevelopmental Services | Online & In-Person — Kate Hudson
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What does a specialist SEN tutor do?
A: They provide tailored 1:1 support using multi-sensory strategies for children with learning differences like dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD.
Q: How much does a private SEN tutor cost in the UK?
A: Typically £70 to £100+ per session depending on experience and qualifications.
Q: Can SEN tutoring help with school entrance exams?
A: Yes, specialist support can build academic confidence and exam readiness, especially for prep school and 11+ transition.
Q: What's the difference between a dyslexia tutor and a general tutor?
A: A dyslexia tutor has specific training to support through structured, evidence-based methods like multi-sensory teaching.
About Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson is an experienced educator and private SEN tutor offering specialist 1:1 tutoring and coaching for children aged 5–16. She supports children with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, ASD, and a wide range of learning needs through highly personalised, strategy-based teaching. Appointments are available in person (Newbury, Reading, Basingstoke, London) or online.
Kate Hudson - SEN Tutor