KS2 tutors for English, maths and science

The examples below show what understanding can look like in different subjects. A difficulty can cross subject boundaries: reading a maths question and explaining a science result also use English skills. Start with the subject task, then identify what gets in the way.

Here is a constructed example of a lower-KS2 fraction difficulty: a child says 1/6 is bigger than 1/3 because 6 is bigger than 3. The denominator is the number below the line; it tells us how many equal parts make the whole.

Draw two equal-length bars. Divide one into three equal parts and the other into six. One third covers the same length as two sixths, so 1/3 is greater than 1/6. The comparison works because the two wholes are the same size. A useful explanation is: “More equal pieces in the same whole means each piece is smaller.”

Next, find 2/3 of 18: share 18 counters into three equal groups of 6, then take two groups, giving 12. Once that idea is secure, try 3/4 of 20: four equal groups of 5, then three groups, giving 15. Look for an explanation of the groups as well as the answer.

For an upper-KS2 connection, compare 3/4 of 20 with 75% of 20. Since 75% means 75/100, which is 3/4, both give 15. The useful step is explaining why the two forms represent the same amount.

Reading example. Consider this invented passage: “Maya stopped outside the classroom, took a deep breath and checked her notes again.” Asked how Maya might feel, “She checked her notes” only repeats an action. An inference uses the clues to suggest something the text does not state directly. A supported answer is: “She may be nervous because she pauses, takes a deep breath and checks her notes again.” Another interpretation may be reasonable if the child explains the evidence; the passage does not prove exactly what Maya feels.

Writing example. Start with “The playground was wet. It rained.” Ask the child to say how the ideas connect, then revise it to “The playground was wet because it had rained.” The word “because” makes the reason clear. Read it aloud and check that the sentence still says what the child intended. For a next task, join “I put on my coat. It was cold” in the same way, then check the capital letter and full stop.

These are small practice tasks, not official test answers. They let you distinguish understanding a text or organising an idea from copying an adult’s finished response.

Latimer offers a free matching request and free introductory meetings with tutors. Use the introduction to discuss goals, approach and arrangements; it is not normally a full teaching lesson. Read about how Latimer works and use the review links on this page to assess the service; the conversation helps you assess the individual tutor.

Explain what helps your child participate, alongside any additional needs or support already agreed with school. Ask the tutor to show how they would adapt an ordinary task. For example, a child might explain a maths drawing aloud before recording the calculation. Agree the approach with the individual tutor and keep it connected to school support.

Latimer’s service is online-first and one-to-one. Microsoft Teams is the default meeting platform; you and the tutor can agree another platform. Before starting, check sound and picture, have paper and pencils ready, and agree how the tutor will see your child’s written work. An adult can help with setup while allowing the tutor to see what the child can do independently. In-person lessons need an individual arrangement with the tutor.

There is no single lesson frequency to prescribe for every KS2 child. Agree a starting routine around the learning need, attention, schoolwork and your budget. A short practice task should have a clear purpose: after the fraction example, ask your child to draw and explain one new fraction, rather than complete a large unrelated worksheet.

Each tutor sets their own hourly rate, shown on their profile, and Latimer uses pay-as-you-go billing. Confirm the lesson length and charge before booking. When judging value, look at whether your child can use the skill with fewer prompts, alongside the time and cost the routine asks of your family.