Tuition for children who cannot attend school due to illness in Scotland: experiences of home tutors

We have explored the working patterns and perceptions of a group of teachers who provide home tuition for children who cannot attend school due to medical problems. These teachers reported high levels of experience in teaching, enthusiasm for their work, and clear managerial structures. Home tutors found it very rewarding to build relationships with children and families, and see children making progress. Challenging aspects of the work included relationship issues, both with the children and their families and with the professional network around the child. Liaison with other professionals was reported to be variable, sometimes helpful and well structured, and sometimes very poor. Those interviewed felt additional training on specific issues related to their work in this context would be beneficial.