Why do so many children say “I hate maths” — and what can parents actually do to help?

In this episode of Parents’ Guide to Tutoring, host Julia Silver is joined by award-winning maths tutor Helen Osmond, founder of Osmond Education and former Secondary Tutor of the Year at the National Tutoring Awards. Together, they unpack why maths anxiety is so common, how gaps in understanding quietly grow over time, and why confidence — not ability — is often the real issue.

Helen explains how maths learning builds in layers, what happens when key foundations are missed, and why many capable students get stuck in the middle — not failing, but never quite feeling secure. The conversation covers GCSE maths pathways clearly and accessibly, including foundation vs higher tier papers, retakes, and why passing maths first time matters so much for a young person’s future options.

This episode is particularly helpful for parents who feel unsure how maths “works” now, worry they might be passing on their own anxiety, or are trying to decide whether tutoring is necessary. Helen also shares practical insights into what effective maths tutoring looks like, how specialist tutors diagnose gaps quickly, and why online tutoring can be just as powerful as in-person support when done well.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why children develop maths anxiety — and how it builds over time

• What GCSE maths grades really mean for further education and careers

• How tutors identify and fix hidden gaps in understanding

• Why confidence, practice and feedback matter more than “natural ability”

• How parents can support maths learning without adding pressure

• What high-quality online maths tutoring actually involves

Warm, reassuring and packed with practical examples, this episode helps parents understand maths tutoring from the inside — and feel more confident supporting their child’s learning journey, whatever stage they’re at.

Find Certified, Safe, Skilled and Supported tutors, like Helen, on the free qt.directory

How do you know if tutoring is really working for your child — and how do you find the right tutor in the first place?

In this episode of Parents’ Guide to Tutoring, host Julia Silver is joined by Georgina Green, founder of Green Tutors and a passionate STEM specialist, to explore what effective tutoring actually looks like beyond grades and exam results.

Georgina shares her honest, refreshing perspective on why tutor–student fit matters more than qualifications alone, how personality, learning style and emotional safety shape progress, and why no tutor should ever promise results they can’t control. Together, Julia and Georgina unpack what parents should look for when choosing a tutor, how good tutoring relationships develop over time, and what to do if a match doesn’t feel quite right.

This conversation is especially valuable for parents of secondary-age children, those navigating exam pressure, and families supporting young people with anxiety, school refusal, SEN or alternative pathways. Georgina also discusses supporting students beyond the curriculum — including career exploration, apprenticeships, and non-traditional routes to success — and why comparing your child’s journey to others can do more harm than good.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to recognise when tutoring is genuinely working

• Why the “right fit” between tutor and student is crucial

• What parents should expect in terms of communication and feedback

• Why grade guarantees are a red flag

• How tutors can support confidence, motivation and long-term purpose — not just exams

• Why there’s more than one way for a child to be successful and happy

A reassuring, insightful episode for parents who want to make thoughtful, informed decisions about tutoring — and feel confident they’re doing the right thing for their child.

Find Certified Safe, Skilled and Supported Tutors on our QT.directory