Finding a good English tutor (yr9)

[circular]

I originally posted similar at the end of an older thread of mine, but the general question may have been missed.

Although DD was level 5 in KS2 Sats, she is still only aound 5a/6c in English. (Although we took the levels on her last terms progress report with a pinch of salt as most were set before any assessment). School are NOT saying this is a problem, and no noises about changes in sets. She is currently in top set, which would be 30/108 as the year group are set in two 'sides'.

We are still concerned that her English is not good enough to get a decent GCSE grade.
Obviously this term will be heavily involved with option choices. Therefore would rather not raise the English issue with the school*, apart from seeing the English teachers at Parents Evening which is in March.
*worried that highlighting difficulties at this stage may affect her overall 'pathway' and prevent her having the triple science option.

We have spoke about it, and DD is also concerned. She would be happy to have a tutor - initially to assess where she is really at, and then to help pull her up where necessary.
So how best to go about finding a good English tutor, please?
Any good questions to ask?
What qualifications should I expect them to have for this level of tuition?
And how do you know when you have found a good one?

Unlikely to get anyone on recommendation, as do not know of anyone else that uses one.

I have looked at some of the on-line agencies, and it all seems pretty random.

Unfortunately, English is the one subject that neither myself or DH could productively help with.

[DrSeuss]

Where do yo live? I have friends who fit the bill in Teesside.

[CrosswordAddict]

Word of mouth, personal recommendation are the safest methods IMO.
However, why not look at small ads locally? Most private tutors are happy to provide references BTW.

[niftyfifty]

No answers I'm afraid circular - but I'm interested in the answers because I'm in exactly the same position as you. I've looked online and have found a couple locally but the fact that they are advertising puts me off, if you know what I mean!

I'm trying to get one through personal recommendation but haven't had any luck yet.

Good luck - let's hope someone out there has some answers/experience/suggestions.

[circular]

Yes Niftyfifty, I know exactly what you mean.

Reading between the lines on some that advertise, it is possible that they are not qualified teachers. Some appear to be English Literature graduates that have gone on to tutoring. Not sure if this is a bad thing or not, but my gut feeling says it would be better to have someone currently working in a school, so at least they will be up on the syllabus.

Not sure if one of the learning centre type places would be a good idea.

I have since contacted a couple of friends that work in schools in neighbouring boroughs to ask around at their schools.