A calmer first tutoring lesson starts with better questions.

1. Before you contact a tutor

Write down the practical context an adult account holder can safely share. Keep names, contact details and sensitive records out of a first enquiry.

• Name the subject, level and immediate learning goal — A specific starting point makes it easier to compare subject fit and plan a useful first lesson.
• Choose the lesson format and supervision arrangement — Decide whether online or in-person support is suitable, and who will be nearby for a child or young person.
• Prepare questions about experience and lesson approach — Ask how the tutor explains difficult ideas, checks understanding and reviews progress.
• Keep communication on Tutorium until the first lesson is booked — Tutorium blocks email addresses, phone numbers and other direct contact details in messages before a first booking.

2. Before the first lesson

Use the first conversation to confirm the details that affect a safe, realistic lesson. A platform check or DBS indicator is a review signal, not a guarantee.

• Check the tutor profile, subjects, levels and published experience — Make sure the profile matches the learner’s subject, level, goals and preferred delivery mode.
• Ask what evidence has been reviewed and what remains your responsibility — Tutorium reviews DBS evidence and qualification certificates before intended public listing; it does not certify suitability or outcomes.
• Confirm the link, venue, equipment and accessibility needs — Agree the practical setup before the lesson starts, including who should be present and how to raise a concern.
• Read the current price, cancellation and refund terms — Check the total shown at confirmation, the lesson timing and the route for a payment or cancellation question.

3. After the first lesson

Review whether the arrangement feels right before committing to more lessons. Keep a short, factual record of what was agreed.

• Write down the next learning milestone — A useful next step should be clear enough to revisit in the next lesson.
• Check the learner felt listened to and able to ask questions — Teaching style and communication fit matter alongside subject knowledge.
• Raise concerns promptly through the secure support route — Use Tutorium support or the safeguarding report route; use emergency services if someone is in immediate danger.
• Only continue when the practical and safeguarding arrangements still feel right — A first lesson is an opportunity to review, not an obligation to book a package or move off-platform.

Read the current official guidance

This checklist is a practical starting point, not legal or safeguarding advice. Read the UK Government guide for parents and carers, the DfE code of practice for out-of-school settings and NSPCC tutor safeguarding guidance.