Working with Birchwood Education

A Guide for Prospective Tutors

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Welcome to Birchwood Education

We’re delighted that you’re considering joining the Birchwood Education team.

Founded by a husband-and-wife, we are passionate about education and dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. Collectively, our tutors provide one-to-one tuition in Maths, Science, and English, from primary level through to GCSE and, in some cases, A-level. While some tutors specialise in a single subject, others are able to teach two or even three subjects. All bring expertise, empathy, patience, and encouragement to every lesson.

We believe that excellent tutoring comes from genuine care, professionalism, and a shared commitment to helping students grow in both confidence and understanding.

What It’s Like to Work with Us

When you join Birchwood Education, you become part of a supportive, values-driven community. We take great care in matching tutors and students so that every partnership works well for both sides.

All sessions take place online via Google Meet and last 55 minutes. Lessons are mostly during term time, although additional sessions can be arranged during school holidays if both you and the family agree.

You’ll have access to our secure online portal, where you can manage your schedule, record sessions, and communicate safely with families. This ensures transparency, professionalism, and adherence to safeguarding best practice.

Professional Standards and Expectations

At Birchwood Education, professionalism is key to the trust we build with families. Every tutor represents not only themselves but also the Birchwood name, and we ask that you uphold our standards in all areas of your work.

Professional Behaviour
Be punctual, reliable, and well-prepared for each session. Maintain professional boundaries with students and parents at all times, keeping all communication polite, respectful, and learning-focused.

Professional Clothing
Even though sessions are online, presentation matters. Please dress in smart-casual attire suitable for a professional educational setting. Avoid clothing with slogans, logos, or designs that could be distracting or unprofessional on camera.

Professional Language
Use clear, positive, and age-appropriate language. Avoid slang or overly informal expressions. Written communication – such as messages or emails – should be courteous, grammatically correct, and reflect Birchwood’s professional tone.

Practical Information

Pay and Invoicing
As a self-employed contractor, you’ll earn from £25 per session, paid monthly. You’ll need to invoice us at the end of each month, and we provide a simple invoice template to make this easy.

Cancellations
If a student cancels a session with less than 48 hours’ notice, you will still be paid for that session. We value your time and aim to support fairness for both tutors and families.

Illness and Rearranging Sessions
If you are unable to teach due to illness, please inform us promptly. We can either arrange cover with another Birchwood tutor or support you in rearranging the session directly with the family.

Focus on Teaching
We manage all administrative work, billing, and parent communication. This allows you to focus fully on what you do best – teaching and supporting your students.

Application and Compliance Process

To ensure the safety of our students and to meet safer recruitment standards, all tutors must complete our full recruitment process before beginning work with Birchwood Education.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Application and Self-Disclosure
All applicants complete a standard application form, including a confidential self-disclosure section. This helps us understand your background and experience before progressing to the next stage.

2. References
We request a minimum of two professional references, which must be verified before you can begin tutoring. Any discrepancies will be followed up and resolved prior to appointment.

3. Interview
You’ll take part in an online interview with one of our directors. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about your experience, teaching approach, and suitability for the role.

4. DBS and Pre-Appointment Checks

All tutors must hold a current Enhanced DBS certificate (including the Children’s Barred List). This must either be issued within the last 12 months or be registered with the DBS Update Service.

If you do not have a suitable certificate, Birchwood Education will arrange one through our approved provider. The cost (£75–£85) is payable by the tutor. While it may take some time to be matched with students, we aim to support tutors in securing work as opportunities arise.

Tutors not registered with the Update Service will need to renew their DBS every 12 months.

We also carry out:

Identity verification
Right to work checks
Qualification checks
Overseas checks (if relevant)
Prohibition from teaching check

5. Induction
Once pre-appointment checks are complete you’ll receive your induction materials and access to the tutor portal. All tutors must complete our safeguarding and child protection training before beginning tuition, unless equivalent, up-to-date evidence is provided.

Joining Birchwood

Joining Birchwood Education means becoming part of a trusted, professional team that values care, communication, and quality teaching. Our tutors make a real difference — helping students overcome challenges, gain confidence, and achieve their goals.

We look forward to welcoming you to Birchwood Education and supporting you in delivering tuition that truly transforms learning.

Tutor Application Form

Personal Details

First name

Last name

Phone

Address

Birthday

Day

Month

Year

Are you legally entitled to work in the United Kingdom?

Qualifications and Experience

Academic Qualifications

Please list your relevant academic qualifications, including the institution, subject, and grade:

Work History

Please provide details of your work history, starting with your most recent position. Please account for any gaps in employment history:

Experience with Children/Young People

Briefly describe your experience working with children or young people, particularly in an educational capacity:

Please be prepared to provide original qualification certificates for verification at interview or induction.

Self-Disclosure

Because this role involves working with children, it is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. You are therefore required to disclose any cautions, warnings, reprimands, or convictions that are not “protected” under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).

Do you have any current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings (that are not protected)?

If Yes, please provide further details in a sealed envelope or confidential email addressed to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Safeguarding and Compliance

All tutors are required to have an Enhanced DBS Certificate with a check of the Children’s Barred List.

I hold a current enhanced DBS certificate, issued within the last 12 months, which I am happy to provide for your review.

I am willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check?

I am subscribed to the DBS Update Service?

The company may conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any publicly available information that may raise safeguarding concerns. This is a standard part of our due diligence process.

References

Please provide details for a minimum of two professional referees. One must be from your most recent employer, particularly if that role involved working with children.

Referee 1 (Most Recent Employer)

Name

Organisation

Position

Address

Referee 2

Name

Organisation

Position

Address

Declaration

I declare that the information provided in this application is accurate and true to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false information may lead to the withdrawal of a job offer or immediate dismissal.

I confirm that I have read and agree to adhere to Birchwood Education Ltd.’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

I consent to the company performing the necessary checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, online searches, and reference verification, as part of the recruitment process.