Welcome
What is Unhurried Learning?
Unhurried Learning is an holistic, Waldorf inspired, child-centred tutoring service for 4-11 year olds, serving the Stroud Valleys since 2006 and Glastonbury since 2019, using a gentle yet effective approach.
Do read on and do get in touch if you would like to chat or find out more.
Do also follow my Facebook page Unhurried Learning Tutoring.
From April 2022, all Stroud lessons will be on Zoom.
About
Whilst all children have their ultimate academic limitations, rarely is it that problems in school exist because of these. Invariably, this is down to internal fears and anxieties usually borne from the regime of pressure and testing so prevalent in our school system now.
Resolving this problem of inner turmoil will never be achieved through external influences, and simply applying more pressure may worsen the situation. My primary objective is to replace the confusion and vulnerabilities in the child with a greater confidence and centredness. It is through this patient, unhurried and gentler atmosphere that the child's anxieties begin to give way to a greater enjoyment and excitement even in the areas that previously caused worry. The 'lack of safety' often felt in what is perceived as a threatening school environment begins to fade.
Miracles do happen and parents are often surprised at the rate of progress that can be achieved by changing the child's internal narrative and relationship with themselves.
Do, please, read the testimonials. Furthermore, do call 07951 709132 if you would like to talk through any concerns you may have.
About Charlotte
I have been teaching for twenty five years and have taught in a number of schools in both Hampshire and Gloucestershire. I also have a good understanding of the International School and Waldorf systems and I incorporate the best of all these approaches into my tutoring. In 2006 I took on the role of leading the Mulberry Tree Waldorf Toddler Group in Cromhall, Gloucestershire, and set up an additional branch in Nailsworth.
Since the birth of my daughter and son in 2005 and 2008 (both of whom are home educated), I offer one-to-one tuition for children aged four to twelve years in an holistic, relaxed, welcoming and child-centred environment. I have successfully tutored over ninety children; many of whom have gone on to grammar school tutors or have been accepted at leading independent schools.
Magda Gerber, Early Childhood Educator
'Childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. It is a small window of time to learn and develop at the pace that is right for each individual child. Earlier is not better.'
Teaching
Initial Meeting
Many of the children who come to me need help reinforcing and consolidating mathematical and literary concepts. Many also need help to regain confidence in their own abilities. Once contacted, I offer a free home visit to meet the parents and child in his/her own environment and, if convenient, I work a little with the child before any commitment from the family is made.
Tailor-Made Sessions
The length of session can vary, depending on the needs of each individual child but, generally, I offer either half or three-quarter-hour or single hour sessions. Each session is tailor-made to suit the individual in a stress-free, unhurried environment where they can learn at their own pace and grow in confidence. I use a variety of teaching methods appropriate for each child's learning style. I believe that using manipulatives in maths and using visual aids in both maths and literacy is a vital part of developing understanding and confidence and these are always available to use, regardless of age.
Example Lesson
- Tutee arrives/I arrive at tutee's house and we catch up on their week in school. We look over homework and note any difficulties.
- Tutee may have a quick snack
- Warm-up activities leading onto...
- Main session followed by a five-minute break for those having an hour session
- Main session continues
- Cool down and review of concepts learned and a rounding-off session
Moving On Sessions
I also offer separate 'Moving On' sessions, geared specifically towards year 5 and 6 pupils; some of whom may be having additional grammar school tuition. During years 5 and 6 (ages 9/10/11), children are going through big developmental changes, as well as facing added grammar school or secondary school pressure. Their behaviour, motivation and attitude at this age can reflect these pressures. I feel strongly that there is a need for providing holistic, emotional and educational support for children (and parents!) during these testing times.
'Moving On' sessions will be tailored to the individual and can include help with academic work, confidence-building activities, and critical thinking and organisational skills in preparation for transfer to secondary school.
Please do contact me for further information
The importance of manipulatives and counting for mathematical understanding
Details
Cost
- Half-hour: £16.00 (excluding mileage)
- Three-quarter hour: £21.00 (excluding mileage)
- One Hour: £28.00 (excluding mileage)
Bills are given out monthly and can be paid by cash, cheque or bank transfer (details available on request)
Lessons are also available on Zoom.
Cancellation
With the exception of illness, twenty-four hours notice is required, otherwise the session will be charged for. I do not charge if the child goes down sick fewer than twenty-four hours before their lesson.
Moving On
Should a parent decide to stop tutoring here, I ask for two weeks notice for both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tutees . These final weeks of lessons are a critical time for your child as it enables him/her to round-off topic work covered as well as helping him/her to make the transition back to being an independent learner without my assistance.
Confidence in Reading
Testimonials
A parent, Stroud
It is so lovely to have your voice in our dining room.
A parent
The children were really happy to see you today. Thank you so much.
A parent, Glastonbury
Comng here is like a healing retreat.
A parent
Thank for a brilliant session with tired children, you're so clever to get things out of them.
A parent, Street
O would rather have you teach her than go back to school.
C, Age 7
I love you coming over and teaching us maths. I like the wrap ups that we do at the end of the lesson.
A parent, Glastonbury
...so glad you're in our lives.
Ms. W
You're a godsend. I'm so grateful to you.
Mr. S
I can really see why L has so much time and willingness to learn which is why she is making such improvements. She really loves being taught by you.
A Parent
She really looks forward to your Zoom sessions. Thank you for all your support at this time.
LN
Charlotte is a truly compassionate and creative tutor for young children. She understands the pressures that school can put on a child and knows how to help them with any difficulties they may be having using a knowledge of child development, creative teaching techniques, an understanding of how children really learn and a kind heart. I thoroughly recommend her to any family with a child who is struggling to understand at school or feeling left behind.
A parent, Glastonbury
M is loving school-embracing lessons and making friends. I know her lessons with you have helped hugely with the transition so thank you once again.
Ms. L
B's Zoom sessions with you are very reassuring to Barry and I, and B is really enjoying them. I very much appreciate all the support you are offering.
Mrs. S.
I cannot recommend Charlotte enough. Her manner makes learning fun and engaging and my son has genuinely looked forward to his sessions - coming to see her has been his favourite after school activity. But not only are the sessions fun, they are also impactful - his confidence and enthusiasm in maths has increased hugely which has borne results in his increased ability to apply his new found skills. As I say, I could not be more positive or grateful.
A tutee - Age 9
I love coming here. It's my favourite part of Thursday.
L, aged 9
I'm so happy right now. I couldn't wait to come here.
A Parent, Gloucester
You're a ray of light in these challenging times.
A tutee, age 9
You teach to make children feel better about school.
A Parent, Stroud
I just wanted to let you know that M got a place at Marling Grammar after all. You've been so lovely and supportive of him. Thanks so much again for giving M the confidence to give it a go.
Mrs. D.
R. said in the car on the way back that he wishes you were his teacher all the time as you explain things to him in a way he understands.
B. Age 8
"I really enjoy being with you. You really help me."
A Parent, Stroud
Charlotte is a really wonderful teacher. She is a very warm and calm person who puts the children in a very positive and safe place so they can really learn and make progress. She was absolutely brilliant with my son and gave him so much confidence, superb at using the right techniques to really tailor his learning. He absolutely loved spending time with her too! I couldn't recommend Charlotte more highly.
Mrs. R.
We are so grateful for everything you have done to support A in his learning. He has without doubt gained a lot from your tutoring and looks forward to his lessons.
Mrs. D.
She has benefited greatly from your sessions, you have been fantastic to her and your calm manner has instilled more confidence in her already. I will have no hesitation in contacting you again for further support in the future and recommending you to others. Thankyou for all your help and sound advice to date.
A Parent
Charlotte Keyte gave our daughter Maths tuition over the school holidays, this enabled her to concentrate on problem areas, kept her on track over the extended holiday period and helped to build her confidence at school. We would recommend Charlotte.
Mrs. B.
You have been great and we can see a real difference with O's confidence. Both Dave and I would really like to thank you.
Mrs. D.
I can only thank Charlotte for the short time Josie my daughter spent with her. When my daughter first went to Charlotte she was really struggling with her basic phonics and was always rushing through her work and never really understanding the basics of putting her words together. Through Charlotte’s kind and relaxed teaching she managed to slow Josie down and break down words enabling her to think through her reading. It didn’t take Josie long with Charlotte’s encouragement for her to really progress and start enjoying to read by herself and enjoy books. She has gone from strength to strength. It was worth every penny to have one to one lessons I would strongly recommend Charlotte to any parent.
A Tutee - Age 8
You're one of the kindest adults I know.
A Parent
R. is doing so well. We are over the moon with his progress and so grateful for your part in it.
F. Age 7
Every day I think, 'I wish I could go to Charlotte's today' but it's always two more days. It's always like that. I wish you could come round to my school and teach there.
J. Age 10
I got 23 out of 25 in my end-of-term Maths assessment. My teacher said that whatever I am doing with you is really helping
Mrs. D
Thank you for looking after R. so beautifully.
Ms. D
L absolutely loved her session and she's desperate to do it again soon!
A parent
...he responds so well to your patient, positive encouragement and interest in his unique beingness...thank you.
M. Age 9
You are kind. It's not really a school-type environment here. It's a gentle environment where you can make mistakes and not be stressed-out.
A Parent
Thank you so much for our phone call today and for your time-so very much appreciated. B loves your lessons.
Ms D
L has loved her sessions with you. Thank you so much.
A tutee - Age 10
I just enjoy coming here and seeing you. I think you're a really fun tutor. I'd come two days a week if I was allowed to.
Mrs. H.
I just want to say a huge thank you for our lengthy chat last night, it was so nice to talk things through with you and thank you so much for taking the time to do it. I can’t tell you how much of a help you have been for supporting us and J so massive thanks.
A tutee - Age 8
When I come here to do Maths and English, it's like playing and that's how it should be.
Ms. L.
My daughter went to see Charlotte in Year 3 when she was falling behind with maths. She wasn't able to grasp some of the basic concepts, and this was causing her stress at school and at home, and was impeding her learning. Charlotte has a wonderfully calm and reassuring presence, and, even after the first lesson, my daughter felt much less anxious. Over the following weeks, Charlotte used a variety of creative methods to put in the building blocks of understanding maths and soon my daughter was able to take a more playful and positive approach and her confidence grew. Now, she actually enjoys maths, which is a huge change for her, and is able to keep up easily with her school work. I would be happy to recommend Charlotte as a teacher, as I have seen the way she can transform a child's learning experience.
A Parent
I said 'we have you today' and he gave a little cheer as always!
B. Age 9
I think you are a great tutor and you really help me with my confidence. Coming here really helps.
Mrs. R.
We were so very lucky to find Charlotte who taught my daughter between the ages of 7 and 10 years. Lucy had been struggling with Maths at school and had lost her confidence in the classroom. After even a few sessions with Charlotte who is a warm and experienced teacher and parent, our daughter began to respond much better at school. She became more and more confident with her understanding and is currently in the top set for Maths in her class. In addition, Charlotte is always ready to provide a kind and generous listening ear to any schooling worries of either child or parent. I cannot recommend her more highly.
A parent
Children are very fortunate to have you as a tutor.
A Tutee - Age 8
The only good thing in the school day is Charlotte. When I come here it almost feels like I'm family.
A Tutee
I would come at 10 o' clock in the night to see you and have a lesson.
Mrs.C
Your environment is perfect. Thank you.
A tutee-age 10
11+ tutoring helps me but not as much as you help me.
A Parent
You are a wonderful teacher and so good with the children
A Parent
I really appreciate the time and attention you gave to Y and she certainly blossomed with your care. You're an amazing teacher and we will miss you so much
Mr. A
R is getting a lot out of these Zoom sessions-thank you.
A parent
Your tutoring has massively supported R with her confidence and inner ability.
A parent
I thought I'd let you know that B was successful in gaining a place at Stroud High School. Thanks for all the work you put in with improving B's confidence and boosting her skills.
Mr S
As always a big thank you. Great you're able to achieve so much in an hour.
L, Age 11
I really enjoy coming here and learning with you.
