A Romsey woman has set up a new private tutoring business to cater for the local community.

Tracey Fripp took the plunge and began working as a private tutor after many years working as classroom support and delivering one-to-one and small group sessions on English and maths.  

She said: “Initially the demand came from parents who wanted that extra input for their children, but over the past seven years, I’ve been approached by people in various situations.”

Tracey's new tutoring space (Image: Tracey Fripp)

As well as primary-aged children, Tracey has supported senior school children who have been identified as having gaps in their earlier basic reading and mathematical skills and some adults who take the courageous leap to revisit literacy and numeracy concepts to help them progress and improve low self-esteem.

“Self-belief is everything”, she says. “It’s perfectly natural for some individuals to not cope well in a classroom environment.

"One to one support can be very individualised and allow them space to work at their own pace and in their own style.

"It’s the most amazing thing to see them transfer this newfound confidence into their school or workplace; breaking down barriers and enabling them to succeed."

Tracey, who has worked in a support capacity in many local schools, has continued her professional development and still builds on her training with a strong emphasis on Nurture. 

As a qualified Nurture Practitioner she knows only too well that we are impacted by challenging life experiences.

Covid will be a prime example of this and many families will wish they could provide their children with private tutoring support but may find it unaffordable.

“I would never want to turn people away for monetary reasons,” Tracey adds.

“I am always happy to have an honest conversation with families who may have felt this wasn’t an option for them.

"Short interventions can work wonders and whilst I can’t work at a loss, I put my dedication to supporting positive learning, before my own gain.”

Tracey has even built a classroom in her garden for those who prefer a bespoke learning space.

She also offers small group poetry and story writing sessions and is exploring interest in a regular children’s Book Club.