From application to your first session: Feeling confident and ready to make a difference

Deciding to volunteer is an exciting choice, especially at the start of a new year! However, we know that for many prospective tutors, that initial excitement is often accompanied by a few questions: Will I know what to teach? What if I’m not a “natural” teacher? Am I really qualified to help a pupil with their GCSEs?

At Action Tutoring, we believe that your desire to make a difference is the most important starting point. Our mission is to handle the rest. We have built a comprehensive support ecosystem designed to ensure that by the time you meet your pupils for that first session, you don’t just feel ready – you feel empowered.

1. The foundation: Initial Tutor Training

Your journey begins with our initial tutor training, a two-hour session specifically designed to bridge the gap between “volunteer” and “tutor.” We don’t expect you to arrive with a teaching degree; instead, we provide the tools you need.

Our training covers the essentials of high-impact tutoring, including:

• Building rapport: Strategies for connecting with young people and creating a positive learning environment.
• The Action Tutoring method: How to structure a tutoring session for maximum impact, moving from a ‘warm-up’ to core learning and reflection.
• Safeguarding: Ensuring you feel confident and compliant in our commitment to pupil safety.

Our induction training is an interactive experience where you can ask questions, hear from experienced tutors, and practice navigating real-world tutoring scenarios.

“The growth mindset that underpins the ethos of  Action Tutoring is reflective of my beliefs and I always feel well supported by the wonderful co-ordinators, the accessible training and the technical assistance when needed.”

Helen, volunteer English tutor

2. No planning required: Expertly designed workbooks

One of the biggest hurdles for tutors can be the “burden of planning.” With Action Tutoring, that burden is entirely removed.

We provide volunteers with carefully structured workbooks targeted at the subject and age group they’re working with, developed by curriculum specialists to align precisely with SATs and major GCSE exam boards. These aren’t just collections of worksheets; they are fully-fleshed session plans with tips for tutors as they go along.

• The tutor version: Your workbook mirrors the pupil’s version but includes “cheat sheets” – detailed notes on how to explain complex topics, advice on common misconceptions, and tips for stretching a pupil’s understanding.
• Targeted support: Because we provide a baseline assessment for every pupil, you will receive a “gap report” telling you exactly which workbook sessions to focus on. You aren’t guessing what the pupil needs; you are delivering exactly what will help them progress.

3. Online Training and Vedamo

If you choose to tutor remotely, the support is just as robust. We use Vedamo, a virtual classroom purpose-built for education. To ensure you feel “tech-ready,” we provide dedicated online training and access to a “sandbox” room where you can practice using the interactive whiteboard, highlighter tools, and pre-loaded digital workbooks.

In the virtual classroom, the “planning” is even easier – your materials are pre-loaded into the session, meaning you can focus entirely on the pupils and their work, rather than worrying about screen-sharing or file uploads.

Watch an example of an online tutoring session on YouTube:

4. Your support on the ground: the Programme Coordinator (PC)

Perhaps the most reassuring part of the Action Tutoring experience is that you are never alone. Every single programme is overseen by a dedicated Programme Coordinator (PC). Your PC is a member of Action Tutoring staff who is present during every session, physically in the classroom for some programmes and virtually for others.

Your PC handles the logistics: they manage pupil attendance, help with behavior management if needed, and are there to answer any “on-the-spot” questions you might have. They are your safety net, ensuring that your only job is to tutor.

“Once, a timid Year 7 pupil asked me a question on dividing fractions that wasn’t incorporated into the prepared slides provided by Action Tutoring. I liaised with the programme coordinator in advance of the next lesson, who sent me some additional resources to share. 

There was a noticeable development in his confidence and contributions in later sessions. It made me realise that I could make a difference to these young people.”

Susan, volunteer maths tutor

Ready to start?

When you join Action Tutoring, you aren’t just a volunteer; you are part of a professionally supported team.

From your very first application click to the moment your pupil achieves that “aha!” moment, we are with you. You bring the commitment; we’ll provide the confidence.