FAQ

What subjects do you offer tutoring in? We provide expert tutoring in literacy and numeracy, for both primary and high school students, including reading, writing, and math. Our tutors specialise in evidence-based teaching strategies, ensuring that students of all levels receive high-quality support tailored to their needs.

Do you provide one-on-one tutoring or group sessions? We offer both one-on-one tutoring and small group sessions. Our individualised sessions provide focused, personalised support, while our small group classes encourage collaborative learning in a structured environment. All students must have a one-on-one session before entering a group session to ensure the group meets their learning needs.

How are your tutors qualified? All our tutors are qualified, experienced teachers with extensive backgrounds in evidence-based teaching methodologies. Many specialise in dyslexia intervention, and structured literacy programs to ensure the best learning outcomes for your child. Our tutors have interests in specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia. Many of our tutors have special interests in ASD and ADHD. We always try to match families with tutors who will be best suited to the student’s learning needs.

What teaching methods do you use? We use proven, evidence-based teaching methods backed by the Science of Reading, the Spalding Method, OG - Orton Gillingham, MSL multisensory structured language and explicit instruction techniques. Our approach is designed to build strong foundational skills, boost confidence, and help students succeed in school.

How do I book a tutoring session? Booking is easy! You can call us, email us, or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule your child’s first session. We also offer a free initial consultation to discuss your child’s learning needs and goals, this usually takes about 10-15 minutes and can be done over the phone.

Do you offer online tutoring as well as in-person sessions? Yes! We offer both in-person tutoring at our Cheltenham, Bayside location and online tutoring for students across Australia. Our online sessions are interactive, engaging, and just as effective as in-person learning.

Do you offer a free trial or initial consultation? Yes! We offer a free initial consultation where we discuss your child’s learning needs and discuss how we can best support their academic progress. This helps us create a customised learning plan to ensure success. We do not offer free sessions, rather you will be billed for only one session to ensure we are the right fit, if you and your child are happy you will then be billed per term.

Do you offer tutoring for students with learning difficulties? Yes, we provide specialised tutoring for children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, autism, and other learning challenges. Our tutors have experience in adapting lessons to suit different learning styles and using multisensory teaching strategies to support every student.

How do you measure a student’s progress? We regularly assess student progress using a mix of teacher observations, student work samples, and formal assessments. Parents receive ongoing feedback and don’t need to wait until the end of term or semester to find out how their child is performing.

How long does it take to see improvement? Every child is different, but most students show significant progress within 8-12 weeks of consistent tutoring. Regular attendance, parental support, and practising skills at home all contribute to faster and lasting improvement.

How much does tutoring cost? At Tandem Tutoring, we provide premium, evidence-based tutoring services delivered by qualified and experienced teachers. Our tutoring rates reflect the high-quality, research-backed education we offer to help students achieve real academic progress in literacy, math, and exam preparation. While we are not the cheapest tutoring service, we prioritise effective, structured learning over generic, low-cost options. Our one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions ensure that each student receives personalised instruction, builds confidence, and makes measurable progress. Our pricing varies based on:  ✅ One-on-one tutoring vs. small group sessions  ✅ Year level of student being supported

How are your sessions billed? Tuition fees are paid per term based on the number of weeks in the Victorian state school term. This secures a permanent weekly time slot term. Fees must be paid upfront for each term. If you cancel within less than 24 hours of your appointment or you fail to attend your appointment without prior notification you will be charged the entire appointment fee and forfeit the appointment. Please phone or text if you are unable to attend your appointment.

What if my child doesn’t enjoy tutoring? We understand that most children do not choose to do ‘extra’ school work outside of school. We make learning engaging, interactive, and stress-free. Our tutors build strong relationships with students, ensuring that they feel supported and motivated. If your child is struggling to engage, we will adjust our teaching strategies to match their interests and learning style. Many of our most reluctant students have commented how much easier classwork has become after working with us, and that they now feel more confident in class so while they wouldn’t choose to do ‘extra’ work outside of school they can see how it helps them. Others have said “we don’t like having to do extra work but we like working with the tutor.”

What makes your tutoring service different from others? We are not just a tutoring service—we are a team of qualified teachers who use evidence-based, research-backed teaching methods to ensure real academic growth. Our focus on structured literacy, numeracy fundamentals, and individualised learning plans sets us apart from generic tutoring services. We do not use a generic one-size-fits-all approach. We do not simply provide your child with worksheets and supervise them. We do not have a prescribed series of lessons your child works through. We focus on your child’s areas of strength to support areas they find challenging, no two sessions are the same.

Do you offer sessions during the school holidays and on public holidays? Term dates align with the Victorian school calendar. Whilst we are aware that students attending private schools may have additional holidays, tutoring sessions will be booked regardless during this period. This is a great opportunity for them to plan ahead, we often like to pre-teach concepts so students feel more confident going into the classroom. If you would like to schedule additional sessions so that your child finishes within their school term this must be negotiated as early as possible with Tandem Tutoring. Term 1: Jan 29 - Apr 4 There will be no sessions on the following public holidays Labour Day - Monday 10 March 2025 *Classes will be scheduled as normal on Saturday 8 March Term 2: April 22 - July 4 There will be no sessions on the following public holidays ANZAC Day - Friday 25 April 2025 *Classes will be scheduled as normal on Saturday 26 April King’s Birthday - Monday 9 June 2025 *Classes will be scheduled as normal on Saturday 7 June Term 3: July 21 - Sept 19 Term 4: Oct 6 - Dec 14 There will be no sessions on the following public holidays Melbourne Cup - Tuesday 4 November *Classes will be scheduled as normal on Saturday 1st November and Monday 3rd November