Tutor Standards and Teaching & Learning Policy for Bright Path Learning Ltd

1. Introduction

1.1. This policy outlines the expectations and standards for tutors working with Bright Path Learning Ltd. It covers communication protocols, session delivery, curriculum planning, the use of technology in teaching and learning, and adherence to key pedagogical principles.
1.2. As experienced educators, tutors at Bright Path Learning Ltd are entrusted with significant autonomy in delivering high-quality, supplementary education tailored to the needs of their students.

2. Communication Protocols

2.1. Communication Channels: 

2.1.1. All communication between tutors, parents, and students must occur through the Bright Path Learning Ltd Google Workspace platform.
2.1.2. Tutors must use their designated Google Workspace email for all professional correspondence. Personal email accounts and phone numbers should not be used for any communication related to tutoring sessions.
2.1.3. Tutors are expected to respond to communications from parents, students, and the leadership team in a timely and professional manner.

2.2. Communication with Bright Path Leadership: 

2.2.1. Tutors should maintain regular communication with the Bright Path Learning Ltd leadership team, including Stephen Butler and Oliver Lomax, via learn@brightpathlearning.co.uk or by phone/whatsapp at 07751 864152.
2.2.2. Any concerns or issues related to student attendance, engagement, or other matters should be promptly reported to the leadership team.

3. Session Delivery, Attendance, and Scope

3.1. Session Platform and Recording: 

3.1.1. All tutoring sessions will be conducted via Google Meet, ensuring a secure and stable online environment.
3.1.2. Sessions are automatically recorded for safeguarding purposes and to support student learning.
3.1.3. Automatic registers will be taken during each session, ensuring accurate tracking of student attendance.

3.2. Tutor Attendance and Cancellation: 

3.2.1. Tutors are expected to attend all scheduled sessions punctually and to communicate any planned absences at the start of each half-term.
3.2.2. If a tutor is unable to attend a session, they must inform both the parents and the Bright Path Learning Ltd leadership team as soon as possible.
3.2.3. In the event of an unplanned absence, tutors should notify all relevant parties at the earliest opportunity. If a session is missed due to tutor absence, parents will not be expected to pay for the session, and any payments made will be refunded within 48 hours.

3.3. Scope of Tuition: 

3.3.1. Tuition sessions are designed to supplement, not replace, the education students receive in their regular school settings.
3.3.2. As such, the tuition will not cover the entire curriculum but will focus on key areas of difficulty that are identified based on the specific needs of each group.

4. Curriculum Planning and Teaching Standards

4.1. Tutor Autonomy and Recruitment: 

4.1.1. Bright Path Learning Ltd trusts its tutors, who are fully qualified and experienced teachers, to map out and deliver the curriculum in a manner that best suits the needs of their specific groups of students.
4.1.2. All tutors undergo a brief interview process to assess their suitability for the role. Additionally, each tutor will have been observed, demonstrating strong teaching and learning practices. As such, there is no single standard model required by Bright Path Learning Ltd; tutors have the autonomy to design and deliver sessions that align with their expertise and the needs of their students.

4.2. Session Structure and Pedagogical Approach: 

4.2.1. Each session should be carefully planned to facilitate student requests while ensuring coverage of key curriculum areas. The sessions should reflect the following Rosenshine principles:

  • Begin a lesson with a short review of previous learning.

  • Present new information in small steps with student practice after each step.

  • Limit the amount of material students receive at one time.

  • Give clear and detailed instructions and explanations.

  • Ask a large number of questions and check for understanding.

  • Provide a high level of active practice for all students.

  • Guide students as they begin to practise.

  • Think aloud and model steps.

  • Provide models of worked-out problems.

  • Ask students to explain what they have learned.

  • Check the responses of all students.

  • Provide systematic feedback and corrections.

  • Use more time to provide explanations.

  • Provide many examples.

  • Reteach material when necessary.

  • Prepare students for independent practice.

  • Monitor students when they begin independent practice.

4.3. Examples of Session Styles: 

4.3.1. Some sessions may focus on developing students' revision skills using the summarise, recall, and apply process.
4.3.2. Other sessions may be geared toward building content confidence by deepening understanding of challenging topics.
4.3.3. All sessions will include high levels of challenge through the application of exam techniques.
4.3.4. Technology, including visualisers, graphics pads, and AI tools, will be leveraged to support effective modelling, resource creation, and the overall learning process.

4.4. Resource Availability: 

4.4.1. All resources used during tutoring sessions, including notes, worksheets, and practice questions, will be made available to parents and students in the shared Google Drive.
4.4.2. These resources are intended to support independent student revision outside of scheduled sessions.

4.5. Continuous Improvement: 

4.5.1. Tutors are encouraged to reflect on their teaching practices and seek opportunities for professional development to enhance their effectiveness in the online learning environment.
4.5.2. Feedback from students, parents, and the leadership team should be used constructively to inform ongoing improvements in session delivery.

4.6. Policy Updates: 

4.6.1. Bright Path Learning Ltd may periodically update this Tutor Standards and Teaching & Learning Policy to reflect changes in best practices or organisational needs.
4.6.2. Tutors will be informed of any significant updates and are expected to comply with the latest version of this policy.

This combined Tutor Standards and Teaching & Learning Policy ensures that all tutors working with Bright Path Learning Ltd maintain high standards of professional conduct and instructional quality. By adhering to this policy, tutors contribute to a positive and effective learning experience that supports student achievement and growth.