Hello, I’m Emily!

Patient, one-to-one help from a qualified primary teacher

I’ve spent five years teaching in primary classrooms. Now I also tutor children aged 5–11 in reading, phonics, English and maths, in Tilehurst, across Reading and online, so they feel more confident at school.

  • Qualified primary teacher
  • 5 years’ classroom experience
  • Fully DBS checked
  • Online & in person
Emily Costello, primary school tutor

Does any of this sound familiar?

These are things I hear from parents all the time, and things I see in classrooms every week. They’re very normal, and they’re very fixable.

With one-to-one time, we can slow down, find exactly where the gap is, and build from there. That means small, steady steps and plenty of encouragement, without piling on pressure.

  • Reading just isn’t clicking yet.
  • Phonics homework has become a battle.
  • Maths makes them anxious or frustrated.
  • They’ve lost a bit of confidence in class.
  • We’ve recently moved to the UK and English is new.
  • They need more one-to-one time than a busy class allows.

EmilyLet’s find where the gap is and take it one step at a time.

How I can help

I tutor primary school children aged roughly 5–11. Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) is my specialism, so I’m especially at home with children aged about 5–9 who are building the basics. I also have plenty of experience teaching older children in Key Stage 2.

  • Reading and phonics

    Sounds, blending, tricky words and reading with understanding. Phonics is at the heart of what I teach every day, so I can usually spot where things are getting stuck.

  • Writing and English

    Handwriting, spelling, sentences and getting ideas down on paper, at the right pace for your child.

  • Maths

    Number sense, times tables, problem solving and the methods your child is using at school. We use practical, hands-on ways to make sense of it.

  • English as an additional language

    Friendly, patient support for children learning English, including children who are fairly new to the UK and settling into school here.

Not sure which of these fits? That’s fine. Tell me what you’re noticing at home and we’ll work it out together.

Hello from Emily!

Meet Emily

A real teacher, who still teaches

I’m Emily Costello. I’m a qualified primary school teacher and I’ve spent five years teaching in primary classrooms. I’m still teaching now, so I know how reading, phonics and maths are being taught in school today.

I love the moment something finally clicks for a child, when they realise they can do it. My lessons are calm, friendly and pitched at the right level, so children feel safe to have a go.

More about me and how I teach

How it works

Getting in touch is just a conversation, not a commitment.

  1. Get in touch

    Fill in the short enquiry form or send me a WhatsApp message.

  2. We have a chat

    We talk about your child, what they find tricky, and what would help. There’s no commitment.

  3. A first lesson

    If it feels like a good fit, we book a first lesson so your child can meet me and see what it’s like.

  4. A regular slot

    If it’s working well for you both, we agree a regular time that fits your week.

What lessons are like

Online or in person

In person, across Reading

I travel to families across Reading and the surrounding areas, so lessons can happen at home, where your child feels comfortable. Just tell me roughly where you are.

Online, wherever you are

Lessons over a video call work really well for many children. They’re easy to fit around family life, and I use plenty of visuals and interactive activities to keep things engaging.

Availability and fees

When I’m available

Currently taking on new pupils

  • Monday Evenings, from around 5pm
  • Wednesday Evenings, from around 5pm
  • Thursday Evenings, from around 5pm
  • Sunday Times to be arranged

Slots are limited, so get in touch and I’ll let you know what’s free.

Online

  • Single lesson £35

Each lesson is 60 minutes, one-to-one.

In person

  • Single lesson £40

Each lesson is 60 minutes, one-to-one.

Fees, booking and what’s included

Questions parents often ask

Are you a qualified teacher?

Yes. I'm a qualified primary school teacher and I've taught in primary classrooms for five years. I'm still teaching now, so I know what children are learning in school at the moment.

Are you DBS checked?

Yes, I'm fully DBS checked. I'm happy to talk about this when we chat.

What ages do you teach?

Primary school children, roughly aged 5–11. Key Stage 1 is my specialism, so I'm especially at home with children aged about 5–9 who are building the basics of reading, writing and number.

What can you help with?

Reading and phonics, writing and English, and maths. I also support children who are learning English as an additional language, including children who are fairly new to the UK.

See all questions

Wondering if tutoring could help your child?

Send me a message about your child and what you’d like help with. We’ll have a quick chat, with no commitment, and you can decide from there.

Enquire WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)