Special Needs Tutors in Ireland
Looking for a special needs tutor? Post your request on ShamFix for free and get quotes from experienced tutors — learning support for dyslexia, autism and ADHD, maths and reading help, in person or online. Compare profiles and choose who to book.
What shapes the price of special needs tutor
- Special needs tutoring is priced per hour or per session, and the rate reflects the level of specialism and the conditions of the work rather than the subject alone.
- A tutor with postgraduate training in special education, or years of experience with a particular diagnosis, will generally charge more than a general grinds teacher.
- Sessions that need preparation of individual materials, visual supports, or a behaviour plan take unpaid planning time into account.
- Travel to a rural address in Mayo, Roscommon or Donegal adds cost, and a tutor who must drive between two homes in an evening will price that in.
- Evening slots after 6pm, Saturday and Sunday sessions, and school-holiday intensives usually carry a higher rate than a weekday afternoon.
- Shorter sessions are sometimes charged at the same rate as a full hour because the setup and travel are the same.
- If a session is cancelled at short notice, many tutors ask for a cancellation fee, so agree this in writing before the first visit.
- Ask for a written breakdown of the hourly rate, travel, and any materials charge before you commit.
How long special needs tutor takes
The first meeting is usually arranged by phone or email, and most tutors offer a short introductory call before any visit. That call is a chance to describe your child's needs, the goals you have in mind, and the days and times that suit your household. If it goes well, the next step is a first session, often a trial hour at your home or online, so your child can meet the tutor without a long commitment. Some families prefer the first meeting to happen while they are in the house; others step into another room once the child is settled. Allow a week or two between first contact and the first session, as good tutors often have a waiting list, and school terms fill up quickly. After the trial, agree a review point, such as four or six weeks, to decide whether the arrangement is working. If you need a tutor for a specific event, like a return to school after a long absence, start looking at least a month ahead.
What to ask before you hire
- 01Before you book, ask for the tutor's qualifications and any professional body they belong to, such as the Teaching Council, the Psychological Society of Ireland, or a relevant therapy association.
- 02Ask to see their Garda vetting certificate, and check that the name and date match the person coming to your home.
- 03Ask for two references from families they have worked with in the last two years, and ring both.
- 04Ask whether they hold public liability insurance, and get the policy number.
- 05Ask what they would do in an emergency: whether they are trained in first aid, whether they carry a phone, and how they would contact you if your child became distressed or unwell.
- 06Ask how they handle a child who refuses to engage, and what strategies they use instead of punishment.
- 07Ask how they record progress and whether they will share written notes with you and with the school.
- 08Ask whether they are willing to speak to your child's class teacher or therapist, with your consent.
- 09If the tutor cannot answer these questions clearly, keep looking.
- 10You are not being difficult; you are arranging care for a person who depends on you.
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Special needs tutoring in Ireland
Parents across Ireland look for SEN tutors to support children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism, ADHD, DCD or general learning difficulties, alongside the support their school provides. Demand is highest in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, and rises in September when the school year starts and in spring ahead of Junior and Leaving Cert exams, where reasonable accommodations may apply. Anyone tutoring children regularly should be able to show Garda vetting, and many SEN tutors are qualified or retired teachers. When you post, share the child's age and class, any diagnosis or psychological assessment you are happy to mention, the areas to work on, and whether you prefer home visits or online sessions.
Common SEN tutoring requests
- Reading and spelling support for dyslexia
- Maths support for dyscalculia
- Tutor for a child with autism
- Study skills and focus support for ADHD
- Handwriting and fine motor support
- Junior Cycle support for a student with SEN
- Leaving Cert support with exam accommodations
- Literacy catch-up in primary school
- Social skills and routine-based sessions
- Online one-to-one SEN tutoring
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Special needs tutor questions people ask
How do I know if my child needs a special needs tutor rather than ordinary grinds?
A special needs tutor is trained to adapt the teaching to the child's learning profile, not just to cover the curriculum faster. If your child has a diagnosis, a psychological report, or a school support plan, a special needs tutor will work from that. Ordinary grinds may suit a child who is simply behind in one subject. Ask the school's special education teacher for a recommendation before you decide.
What qualifications should a special needs tutor have in Ireland?
Look for a teaching qualification recognised in Ireland, or a degree in psychology, speech and language therapy, or occupational therapy, plus further training in special education. Membership of the Teaching Council or the Psychological Society of Ireland is a useful signal. Ask for the certificate and check the registration number. Experience with your child's specific diagnosis matters as much as the paper qualification.
Will the tutor come to our home, and what should we prepare?
Most special needs tutors travel to the family home, though some work online or in a quiet room at a library. Prepare a table with two chairs, good light, and as few distractions as possible. Have the child's reports, support plans, and any visual aids to hand. If the tutor is coming in the evening, make sure someone is at home for the whole session.
How many sessions a week does a child usually need?
One or two sessions a week is the most common arrangement, with a review after six to eight weeks. Some children need a short block of intensive work before a school transition. Others do better with a steady weekly slot across the year. The right number depends on the goal, the child's stamina, and how much practice happens between sessions.
What happens if my child refuses to work during a session?
A trained tutor will pause the task and change approach rather than push through. They might switch to a preferred activity, use a visual timer, or give a short break. Ask the tutor before you start how they handle refusal and what they will tell you afterwards. A pattern of refusal may mean the goals or the session length need adjusting.
Can a special needs tutor speak to my child's school or therapist?
Yes, if you give written consent. Tutors often share progress notes with the class teacher or the speech and language therapist so that everyone works on the same targets. Ask at the first meeting how they prefer to communicate, and whether they will attend a school review meeting. You control what information is shared and with whom.
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