Many children that come through our tutoring doors feel anxious, overwhelmed and at times discouraged when they are first told they will be coming for tutoring. For some of our students, tutoring often feel unintentionally like a confirmation that they are “bad at school” or that something is wrong with them.
This belief is one that doesn’t come only from one place. It is something that appears to be imbedded into society and the way that tutoring is spoken about. It comes from classroom experiences, peer stigma, family pressures, or the internal belief that learning should be easy- and if it isn’t they’ve failed at something.
At Breakaway Education, we understand that before any learning can happen, a child must feel safe.
Tutoring should feel different
Our tutoring spaces in Mittagong and Wilton are designed to feel calm, respectful, and above all supportive to all who walk through our doors- regardless of if that is a child or a family member. One of the ways in which we work with our tutors to create this difference is through the use of consent and choice.
As we work with the student we have in front of us, it can look different each time we work with our student. But it will look like a tutor asking:
- Is it okay if I sit next to you?
- Would you like to start with reading or spelling today?
- Should we work for 10 minutes or 15 minutes before a short break?
These moments, as small as they may appear, give children back a sense of control over their learning – and this, provides that sense of safety that students often feel they are lacking entering into another learning environment.
Why this matters for anxious learners
When children feel anxious or frightened, their brains are focused on protection- or feeling protected and safe- not learning. By offering choice and respecting boundaries, we help students feel safe enough to engage, try, and make mistakes. We provide them with safety in the process of learning.
When a child feels calm and supported in sessions, we see that they are far more open to:
- Trying new strategies
- Asking questions
- Persisting with challenging tasks
- Speaking up when they need to look at a concept from another point of view
Learning at the child’s pace
At Breakaway Education, we believe that learning at your own pace is not a weakness- it’s the only way that learning truly works!
By creating an environment where children feel seen, heard, and respected, we can support even the most reluctant learners to grow in confidence, skill and self-belief.
Written by Tish (Wilton centre manager) and Alysha (Director of Breakaway Education).
Breakaway Education
2026
