SEND Tutoring: 5 Tips to Support Your Child in School

Supporting a child with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) can be incredibly rewarding—but also challenging. That’s why many families turn to SEND tutoring to give their child the personalised support they need to thrive.

SEND refers to children who have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn compared to most children of the same age. While mainstream education strives to be inclusive, many parents find that their child needs a more personalised approach. That’s where tailored tutoring can make a real difference.

At Powertutors, we specialise in supporting students with SEND through 1-1 and group tutoring—both online and in person. Here are five practical, parent-approved tips to help you support your child with SEND in school, with a focus on how tutoring can provide the extra help they need.

1. Understand Your Child’s Unique Needs

Every child with SEND is different. A diagnosis like autism, ADHD, or dyslexia provides a helpful starting point, but understanding how that impacts your child’s day-to-day learning is key. Does your child struggle with transitions? Find reading overwhelming? Have sensory needs in the classroom?

Take time to observe how your child learns best. Keep a simple diary of their challenges and wins. This helps you, your child’s teacher, and their tutor work together to create a consistent, tailored support plan.

At Powertutors, we match each student with a tutor who understands their specific needs. Our tutor-matching process considers learning style, personality, and subject strengths—because when there’s a good fit, progress comes more naturally.

2. Use Visual Tools in SEND Tutoring

Children with SEND often benefit from visual learning aids and interactive approaches. Whether it’s using coloured overlays for dyslexia, visual timetables for children with autism, or hands-on maths games for kinaesthetic learners—these tools can make learning feel more accessible and enjoyable.

Our tutors use a range of creative methods to bring lessons to life. For online tutoring, we incorporate screen-sharing, interactive whiteboards, and videos to help explain complex topics. These tools can help your child stay engaged and retain information more effectively.

3. Build Confidence Through Small Wins

Confidence can be a major hurdle for children with SEND, especially if they’ve experienced setbacks at school. One powerful tutoring strategy is breaking tasks down into small, achievable steps. When a child sees consistent success—even in bite-sized amounts—it builds momentum and self-belief.

For example, one of our parents recently told us their child “never liked maths—now she says it’s her favourite subject.” That’s the power of personalised support, patient guidance, and celebrating small wins.

Encourage your child to recognise their own progress, and don’t be afraid to revisit topics until they feel confident. Learning doesn’t need to be rushed; it just needs to be right for them.

4. Collaborate with Schools and Tutors

Your child’s school and tutor should be part of the same team. If your child has an EHCP or receives support in school, make sure the tutor is aware of the goals and strategies already in place. A consistent approach across school and tutoring sessions helps reinforce learning and minimises confusion.

At Powertutors, we frequently work alongside local education authorities and schools, supporting children with EHCPs. Our tutors often attend review meetings and can provide feedback that feeds directly into your child’s support plan. Open communication ensures that your child is getting joined-up support that adapts as they grow.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), it’s helpful to review their goals regularly. You can learn more about EHCPs on the official UK government website.

5. Foster Emotional Resilience

Learning can be emotionally draining for children with SEND, especially if they’ve experienced frustration or anxiety around education. It’s vital to build not just academic skills, but emotional resilience.

Tutors can help by creating a safe space where mistakes are part of the process, not something to fear. Emotional check-ins, praise for effort (not just outcomes), and coaching around self-regulation and coping skills can all form part of a tutoring session.

At Powertutors, we take a holistic view. Many of our tutors are trained in supporting emotional wellbeing alongside academic content, helping children manage stress, stay motivated, and bounce back from challenges.

For more advice on supporting autistic children in school, visit the National Autistic Society’s education guidance.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a child with SEND requires patience, understanding, and the right tools. Personalised SEND tutoring can make a huge difference in helping your child thrive—not just academically, but emotionally too.

If you’re looking for a partner on this journey, consider reaching out to a SEND-focused tutoring service like Powertutors. Whether it’s finding the right tutor or aligning with your child’s EHCP, we’re here to help.

For more information, visit powertutors.co.uk or email us at enquiries@powertutors.co.uk.

Let’s give every child the opportunity to shine.