A Place to Feel Safe, Smile and Succeed – Learning at Forest 1st Tutoring

At Forest 1st Tutoring, we know that children are better learners when they feel happy, relaxed and supported. Our sessions aren’t just about ticking boxes — they’re about building confidence, curiosity and creativity in a safe, friendly environment.

Most of our lessons take place at Nicola’s home, where the kettle is always on, the atmosphere is calm, and our golden retriever Saffie is on hand for hugs. Saffie has become part of the team now. She greets every child as her best friend and always seems to know when someone might need a little extra reassurance. Some sessions also take place the local hall, but no matter where we are, we bring a blend of warmth, care and professionalism that helps children feel at home.

Relaxed and happy after a great session this week!

Our lessons are full of imagination, teamwork and progress. Darcy helps Alex master short multiplication with decimals by explaining it in her own words — she becomes the teacher, and Alex beams with pride when it suddenly clicks. Pru writes wonderful stories about enchanted crystals that must be collected to solve a mystery, sparking creative ideas for the rest of the group. Barney, who is passionate about BMX bikes, uses his adventures on the track as inspiration for descriptive writing, filling his stories with energy, excitement and jumps that make everyone smile.

We also work closely with local schools to make sure learning feels seamless. A lovely example is Sienna, who takes an exercise book back and forth between Nicola and her schoolteacher, helping everyone stay connected. This simple idea means her tutoring sessions link perfectly with her schoolwork — and it helps her grow in confidence, knowing that everyone is cheering her on together.

Seal of approval: happy kids, happy learning!

Nicola also supports families with EHCP applications once she has got to know the children well and regularly talks to school staff and headteachers about pupils’ academic progress. This close communication helps to align school and family values, ensuring that every child receives the consistent support they need to make progress and thrive.

We’re one of the few tutoring companies to have experienced teaching assistants working alongside tutors in many group classes. This allows us to give each child truly personalised support — whether that’s stretching them with new challenges, building confidence with difficult tasks, or simply being there with patience and encouragement.

At Forest 1st Tutoring, we combine care with challenge, structure with creativity, and always a good dose of fun. Because when children feel safe and supported, they don’t just learn — they flourish.