COVID-19 - FAQs

 

What’s MyTutor doing to help?

So far, we’ve increased our matching team and ops staff to support higher volumes of parent queries and to support tutors. We’ve also started developing content for parents around getting set-up for a home-schooling scenario.

On the schools side, we’re supporting schools as they explore the impact of closures on their ability to deliver lessons. We’re increasing the number of pupils tutors are allowed to take on the Schools Programme to help this transition.

What will happen to my Schools Programme lessons with schools closing?

We’re talking to our 300 partner schools to support them to deliver their programmes. For some schools that means setting their pupils up for tuition from home, others may switch the cohort of pupils receiving tuition, and some may postpone programmes. Schools are still deciding which path is best for their pupils, and as we learn more we will update you. In all cases, we are encouraging schools to continue with their lessons.

Will I still be able to pick up new Schools slots?

As schools adapt to the shift to working from home over the coming weeks, we'll be uploading new lessons. If you already had a schools lesson that was cancelled, you'll be prioritised for these new lessons - however, we can't guarantee that you'll get one.

Slots are being snapped up very quickly at the moment, due to increased tutor availability right now. We're working hard to make sure that slots are distributed fairly amongst our tutor community. 

Will I still be paid?

If school programmes are cancelled or deferred, we’ll notify tutors of lesson cancellations. We will do everything to help schools continue their programmes rather than suspend them. For lessons and payments on the private platform normal policies will apply.

Will I get more work because of a higher demand for online tutoring?

This is difficult to forecast at the moment. Tutors are already delivering a record number of hours on the platform and demand for tutors will be very high regardless of COVID-19. 

We are seeing a spike in search volume for online tutoring specifically, which could translate into even more work on the platform in the coming weeks. We've also had enquiries from Multi Academy Trusts about purchasing more hours for schools due to COVID-19.

Can I claim through the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for lost tutoring income?

On 26th March the government announced support for self-employed workers who have lost income due to coronavirus. 

You can find out more about who’s eligible for this support by checking out GOV.UK’s guidance, although it appears that many details,including the application process, are still being worked out, which makes it difficult to say how it will impact our tutors.

What can I tell my clients who are thinking of cancelling their lessons?

If you’re worried your customers might cancel because there are no longer any exams, send them a message to help them see the value of continuing. Here are some things you could say (inspired by the brilliant Steph on our community forum):

Hi X,

I thought I’d send you a message after the news this week. 

Since there’s no pressure to pass exams in the near-future, I wanted to see how you wanted to adapt our lessons together? If you’re now homeschooling, I can:

- Help add structure, normality and social interaction to the week 

- Cover the rest of this year’s course content in a way that’s motivating 

- Give you a head-start on next year’s (A Level/Uni) course

- Explore other topics related to your subjects that aren’t on the exam spec

Also, if you want to adapt the times or frequency of lessons to fit your new schedule, just let me know!

Thanks,

X

What different type of support should I be offering my students who may be working from home more permanently?

Students who are stuck at home will find themselves with lots of new challenges. Boredom, lack of social interaction, disengagement from their work, lack of structure etc.

The best support you can offer is your normal lessons (things that feel routine will help) and some extra guidance on staying organised - things like timetables, productivity tips, ideas for note-taking.

Although exams aren’t happening this year, school students will still need to keep learning. Help them see that learning is important for general life, not just for passing exams. You never know, with the pressure off, they might even enjoy it more.

Their interaction with you will be a nice break-up in their day so stay positive, try not to dwell on the news, remind them to take a break from social media and just be your normal friendly self.

Will MyTutor implement surge pricing or offer discounts?

We will not implement any surge pricing during this period of demand. Our aim is to support the school system and as many families as possible.

We’re promoting discounts on private bookings of 6 and 10 lessons (5% and 10% respectively) and our tuition will remain funded for those who can’t afford it through the Schools Programme. 

We’re exploring ways to support even more students from disadvantaged backgrounds at this time too.

As always, it's for you to decide what prices you want to charge for your lessons.