DBS verified Helen
Dyslexia / SEN Specialist & Qualified Teacher. 30+ years in teaching, and as Advisory Practitioner for the Society of Education & Training
About
My teaching approach is multi-sensory (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic). I believe in making learning fun and enjoyable, not a chore. In the first lesson, I assess individual needs, form a learning plan and give feedback to parents — then aim to fill in any learning gaps before moving forward. Each session builds on the last.
I always say: if a student doesn’t understand how I explained something, this is my responsibility to rectify. Repeating instructions is not the key — explaining in different ways is what works.
Subjects & pricing
English Literature
£100/hr
English Language
£100/hr
Creative Writing
£100/hr
Languages
- English Native
Qualifications
Higher education
- Level 5 Diploma in Education & Training Education · City & Guilds · Pass · 2002 City & Guilds · Pass · 2002
- Post Graduate Cert in Adult Dyslexia Diagnosis & Support Education · Southbank University · Pass · 2003 Southbank University · Pass · 2003
Teaching qualification
- QTLS · Society for Education and Training · 2015 Society for Education and Training · 2015
Vocational / professional
- Safeguarding Level 3 · West Herts College · 2015 West Herts College · 2015
Reviews from Tutorperch
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Reviews from First Tutors
Imported from Helen's First Tutors profile before the site went dark. Shown separately from Tutorperch reviews — today they don't feed this tutor's Tutorperch rating or ranking.
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The review text is the original reviewer's own words, quoted as-is. We verified the tutor's ownership of the profile, not the truth of what each individual reviewer wrote.
- Mar 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen has been an excellent tutor for my daughter, supporting her through GCSE Maths and English. Since starting lessons, my daughter’s confidence has grown noticeably, and this is already reflected in her improved results. Helen’s calm tone and patient approach have made a real difference, particularly as my daughter has dyslexia and dyscalculia. She creates a supportive environment where my daughter feels comfortable and encouraged to learn at her own pace. We’re very pleased with the progress so far and would highly recommend her.
Helen replied
Thank you for your wonderful feedback Prash. I’ve loved working with your daughter and watching her flourish. All her hard work is really paying dividends and she’s a joy to work with.
- Mar 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen is an excellent tutor. Kind but firm, builds a good relationship with my son and challenges where he needs it. She is also flexible and responsive on timings where she can. Thank you!
Helen replied
Thank you for your kind words Mitul. I love working with your son. He’s very intelligent, far ahead of his peers already, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this takes him.
- Mar 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen is kind attentive and brilliant with young teenagers who are sometimes reluctant to engage. That has turned the experience into a positive one for my children. Highly recommend. Thank you.
Helen replied
Thank you Pam, Your children made my job easy because they are hard working, fast learners and great fun.
- Mar 2026 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
We’ve had a really positive experience with this Helen. She is patient, understanding, and adapts her teaching style to suit individual needs, which has made a real difference for my daughter. The sessions are engaging and supportive, and we’ve seen a clear improvement in both her confidence and progress at school. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a tutor who genuinely cares about their students.
Helen replied
Thank you so much Parul. Working with your daughter has been an absolute pleasure. She’s motivated, hard working, kind and hilarious. She makes teaching rewarding and fulfilling.
- Jul 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
The communication with Helen has been quick and clear throughout, and she’s delivered excellent lessons that have engaged my son in a subject he has not been enjoying at school. Highly recommended.
Helen replied
Thank you Vanessa, I really enjoy working with your son, he’s absolutely lovely!
- Apr 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen is such a lovely and understanding lady. From the first conversation she put it an ease. My daughter has responded really well to the way Helen engages with her. She really is bringing out the best in her and building her confidence and capability.
Helen replied
Thank you Sarah. Your daughter is such a pleasure to work with, very funny and far more intelligent than she realises!
- Apr 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
A very pleasant tutor who’s made my son feel extremely comfortable and has so far provided him with the confidence and empowerment to believe that he can excel. I’m very happy to have chosen Heleny
Helen replied
Thank you Hayley. Your son is so lovely to work with and I’m confident he will definitely reach his goals!
- Apr 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen has to date built a good rapport with my daughter. It’s a little bit too early to comment on progress but we are with what we have seen so far. Only comment.
Helen replied
Thank you Angela. I’m looking forward to watching your daughter progress as I’m sure she will.
- Apr 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Many thanks for your help!
Helen replied
Thank you Richard!
- Mar 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen immediately connected with my son who looks forward to his lessons, and feels proud about what he achieves. We are particularly glad that she is supporting him at this stage (Year 2) so that he doesn't struggle with potential dyslexia as he progresses through primary.
Helen replied
Thank you Julia! I always look forward to our lessons. You son is simply adorable and I’m confident that he’ll do very well throughout his education.
- Mar 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen has been a great maths tutor for my two daughters. Her dedication and patience have truly made a difference in their understanding and confidence in the subject. Helen's ability to explain concepts in a simple and engaging manner has helped my daughters improve their confidence in Maths. My daughters look forward to their sessions with Helen and have developed a genuine interest in maths thanks to her. I highly recommend Helen as a tutor.
Helen replied
Thank you for this wonderful feedback Sumit! Your daughters are a credit to you and to themselves and are an absolute pleasure to work with. I can’t wait to see where their continuous development takes them.
- Mar 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
My son is working very well with Helen. I believe Helen’s method is very effective
Helen replied
Thank you so much for your positive feedback. I’m really enjoying working with your son and I’m looking forward to him passing his exams with flying colours!
- Mar 2025 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen Has been helping my near 7yr old with some tutoring for English & maths ! Her approach & encouragement in supporting her needs has been great & over recent weeks we have seen a real improvement , which is allowing my child to flourish & grow in confidence! Thank you Helen
Helen replied
Thank you Mel. It’s a pleasure watching your lovely girl grow. She’s so sweet and has the best sense of humour!
- Nov 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen has been tutoring my 14 year old son Dion, who lacked confidence in English and Helen has built him back up over the years to push him in a constructive and engaging manner, I can certainly see the improved efforts in school. Thank you Helen! Selina Vakani
Helen replied
Thank you Selina, I really enjoy our lessons and it’s been so rewarding watching Dion grow into a lovely, talented young man. I’m confident he’s going to do really well in his GCSEs and into the future.
- Oct 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
- Oct 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen has been an amazing tutor for my dyslexic daughter. She helped her through her SATs which she passed due to the addition learning support and specialist teaching that Helen put in place for her using her double learning book. I will be asking her assistance with GCSEs for my son and further support for my daughter. I highly recommend her. She’s able to engage with my daughter and make lessons enjoyable and fun whilst working flexibly with our family commitments. Thank you so much Helen, we look forward to working with you again soon
Helen replied
Thank you for such wonderful feedback Orla, and it’s great to hear that your daughter enjoyed The Bumper Book of Double Learning. I’ve so enjoyed working with her. She’s a beautiful girl, always upbeat and positive and puts 100% into her work. I’m looking forward to working with her again soon and to helping your son with his GCSEs.
- Oct 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
My son is being tutored in GCSE English by Helen . She very encouraging and explains things very well, so my son has a better understanding and well improved .
Helen replied
Thank you B, your son is a lovely young man and I’m confident his hard work will enable him to reach his goals.
- Oct 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen has been a great help with both my 11 yr old and 9 yr old - adapting their learning to their level and need.
Helen replied
Thank you for your positive feedback Chi, they are both an absolute pleasure to work with!
- Oct 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
My daughter enjoy the classes and being challenged in ways she is not at school.
Helen replied
Thank you Tanya, Your daughter is a positive ray of sunshine and continuously excels in everything she does. I’m sure she’s going to achieve great things throughout her life.
- Sept 2024 ·imported from First Tutors
A First Tutors client
Helen is excellent, we just started with our son he is in year 7 now, her double learning book helping him a lot, we hope will some more progress in near future.
Helen replied
Thank you for your positive feedback Priodarsini. Your son is a joy to work with and I’m sure he will continue to make excellent progress! See you soon. Helen