The legal bits getting started as a tutor
If I wanted to start tutoring now, what would I want to know?
Finding students isn't that scary.
It's not creating resources.
It's not even teaching.
It's the answers to all the little questions that swirl around your head before you begin.
Do I need a DBS?
Do I need insurance?
Do I have to register as self-employed?
Do I need a business bank account?
What if I get something wrong?
I remember feeling exactly the same way when I started tutoring back in 2012. I knew how to help children. I knew how to explain maths and English. What I didn't know was how to run a business.
The good news is that whilst there are a few important things to put in place, it's nowhere near as complicated as many people imagine.
But, I think this is possibly the bit that stops people from getting started in becoming tutors in case they get it wrong or just don't do something and then they find themselves in trouble.
They too are confident with working with children but the legal side of it is a whole new ball game and it seems terrifying!
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The good news is that whilst there are a few important things to put in place, it's nowhere near as complicated as many people imagine.
Let's walk through some of the basics.
Registering with HMRC
If you decide to start charging for tutoring, you'll usually need to register as self-employed with HMRC.
The thought of this can sound intimidating, but in reality it is simply a way of letting HMRC know that you are earning an income outside of traditional employment.
You'll need to:
Register as self-employed
Complete a Self Assessment tax return each year
Keep records of your income and expenses
My advice?
Start keeping records from day one, even if you only have one student, because 1 can quickly become 2, which then becomes 3, 4, 5 and it snowballs before you realise what is happening...
Future you will be grateful!
My system is simple and to make it easier I got it printed into a book format. The bulk of the book consists of a set of columns including date of lesson, name, face to face or online, notes to self, paid.
Then I have a second section at the back of the book where I collate this information to use to send the invoices.
DBS Checks
One of the first questions many parents ask is whether you have a DBS check.
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check helps demonstrate that you are suitable to work with children.
Whilst different tutoring situations can have different requirements, I personally wouldn't tutor without one.
Many tutors also choose to subscribe to the DBS Update Service so that their certificate can remain current and easily checked.
Insurance
Nobody likes spending money on insurance, but it's one of those things you are glad to have if you ever need it.
The most common types of insurance tutors consider are:
Public Liability Insurance
Professional Indemnity Insurance
The exact cover you need will depend on your circumstances, but it is worth researching before you begin.
Safeguarding and Policies
Even if you are tutoring from your dining room table, safeguarding still matters.
A few policies worth considering include:
Safeguarding Policy
Child Protection Procedures
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Data Protection (GDPR)
Don't panic, you don't need to create everything overnight.
Simply be aware that these are important parts of running a professional tutoring business.
Business Bank Accounts
Many new tutors start by using their personal account.
However, I would recommend opening a separate account for your tutoring income and expenses.
It doesn't need to be complicated.
The biggest benefit is that it makes tracking income and expenses much easier when tax return time comes around.
The Things Nobody Told Me
Looking back, there are a few things I wish somebody had told me when I first started.
Have clear boundaries
It's much easier to put boundaries in place from the start than it is to introduce them later.
Think about:
Cancellation policies (for 3-weeks in a row one family had me standing on their doorstep ready to do the lesson and they had forgotten I was going and had gone out...)
Payment terms (crucial so that you get paid exactly for what you do and not have to keep chasing people for it).
Communication hours (you will receive messages 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It becomes the new norm. Be clear about when you can get back to people).
Holiday arrangements
Keep records
It sounds boring, but keeping organised records saves an enormous amount of stress later.
Don't undervalue yourself
Many tutors charge too little because they lack confidence.
Remember that parents aren't simply paying for an hour of your time.
They're paying for your experience, preparation, resources and expertise.
You don't need everything perfect
This is probably the biggest lesson of all.
Many aspiring tutors spend months worrying about whether everything is ready.
The reality is that most successful tutors started before they felt fully prepared. 14 years later I still fear going to a family for the first time, especially if they are someone I know or have come as a recommendation. I know it's ridiculous, but it is what it is. If I had waited until I had conquered this fear, I'd still be waiting...
The Most Important Thing
The person I'm picturing whilst writing this is somebody who is brilliant with children.
Perhaps you work in a school.
Perhaps you're a teaching assistant.
Perhaps you're a teacher thinking about doing something different.
You care deeply about helping children, but you're worried about the practical side of becoming a tutor.
Please don't let the legal and administrative side put you off.
Yes, there are things you need to do.
But they are all manageable.
The part that really matters is your ability to support children, build their confidence and help them succeed.
Everything else can be learned.
Thinking About Becoming a Tutor?
If you've ever wondered whether tutoring could be right for you, I'd be happy to have a chat.
Whether you're looking for guidance, a copy of my book, support through our tutor community, or simply someone to answer a few questions, please feel free to get in touch.
Sometimes all it takes is a conversation over a coffee (or a Dr Pepper in my case!) to help you work out your next step.
