Where can i find tuition for a child?

Question

this is my situation my son will start school soon i am french for him not to be too late and lost when he will start nursery school next september i am looking for somebody qualified that will come once a week preferably saturdays to teach him colours figures and alphabet as well as english words that will help express himself so that he won't be too lost

where can i find such a service ? do you know agencies that offer tuition for such a young age ?

i would like also to see a speech therapist but i do not know where and even where to ask thanks a lot for your answers and helping

i live in south london

thanks

Answer 1

Hi! Can he understand any English at all? Has he had any input in English at all from any other person? I am assuming that at home you just speak in French to him but does anyone else speak to him in English? He might have picked some up from watching TV, listening to people when you're out, etc.

I am actually a nearly qualified Speech and Language Therapist, I am also bilingual and doing my dissertation/thesis on bilingual children.

I need to ask... do you feel he has any speech or language problems in his first language (French)? How old is he? Can he say any words in French? Has he started putting more than word together into 2 word or 3 word sentences? If he doesn't have any language problems in French, it is extremely unlikely he will be seen by a speech and language therapist, as it means is a problem with input and exposure to English rather than a language delay/disorder. I have worked in a bilingual speech and language clinic (as a student) before and we would assess bilingual children in both languages, if they had delays/disorders in both languages, they may be eligible for speech therapy and would work in the child's first language (with a bilingual speech therapy assistant).

I suggest you start by looking for your local SureStart centre (have a look at http://www.surestart.gov.uk/), they give a lot of support for parents and children of under 5 years of age. At a local centre they would run various groups you could take your child to.

If you do want to encourage bilingualism do not stop speaking French at home, and do not substitute English for French when you speak to him. Even a child who does actually have speech and language problems in both languages can cope with more than one language. And now that he’s starting nursery, he should start getting quite a bit of input in English.

By the way, I came to England when I was 13, without a word of English and started school the very next day I arrived, no one spoke Spanish in my school (my 1st language). Now 10 years later I am about to graduate from university....with a language/medical based degree :), and some (mad!) people cannot even tell I'm not British! A lot of people can tell I have an accent though as I did learn it late in childhood. But it goes to show how late in life you can learn and language and actually pass off as a native (only to some people though!).

Oh, one more thing, the other day I was reading some research on bilingualism for my dissertation, and they found that the most balanced bilinguals (pretty much native-like proficiency in both languages) are children who are either born in the country with 2 parents who were born abroad speak the other language or children who arrive in the country before 5 years of age with both parents from abroad.

I am yet not a parent, so but I can imagine that you are very anxious about how he will cope, but from what I have learnt so far from studying and practising speech therapy (and also my own personal experience), I would guess your son will be just fine.

Answer 2

For advice go and see your health visitor.  They should be able to advise on the speech therapy.

Get in touch with the school your son will be attending and explain your situation - they may be able to offer extra support, advice - also the local education authority (school should be able to give you the number ) and ask if there would be any help / support for your son.

I've had children in my nursery / reception who did not have good english skills ( sometimes as a 2nd language) but they do pick up very quickly.

Answer 3

phone your council they will give u a list

Answer 4

They will teach him these things in the nursery school - he does not need to know them before he starts.

Answer 5

Search for an independent school in your area which you will find in your yellow pages.  Because these schools are private they will have their own Tutors or will be able to recommend one for you.

Also your Local newspaper should advertise.  

Failing that, ring up your local City council and they should have a list of specalised Tutors.

Good Luck.

Answer 6

Hi!

You didn’t say the age of your child ...

Well, this is a delicate situation! You need to take special care not to confuse the child!

I am a Brazilian Teacher of Pre-school and here, in Brazil, there are schools that teach the Portuguese Language and English Language, simultaneously. They are called Schools "Double Language" (or something like that!)...

I think you should look for an institution like that! They know what to do!

Good luck!

Carmen

Answer 7

contact Kumon - ive added a link! they are fantastic and i bet they can help!