When School Feels Hard,
Learning Can Still Feel Safe
1:1 and small group literacy support for children who need more time, a different approach, or just someone who gets it.
I'm Cherie — with 5+ years of literacy tutoring experience and as a mum to three incredible children on the autism spectrum, I understand how traditional approaches often miss the mark. I support children aged 5-12 who find reading, writing, and spelling challenging. No pressure. No grades. Just confidence, progress, and real understanding.
Is Skill Sprout Right for Your Child?
If any of this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
Struggling with reading or spelling
Your child works hard but still finds decoding, fluency, or comprehension challenging.
Lost confidence or avoiding learning
School has become stressful. They say "I'm dumb" or refuse to try.
Neurodivergent learners
ADHD, autism, PDA, or learning difficulties that need flexible, understanding support.
Needs more time than school can give
Large classes mean they're not getting the individual attention they need.
Tried tutoring before — it didn't work
Generic homework help or pressure-based tutoring made things worse, not better.
You're overwhelmed or unsure what to do
You want to help but don't know where to start or what approach will work.
How Skill Sprout Actually Works
This isn't homework help or grade-chasing. It's about building the foundations your child needs to read, write, and learn with confidence — at their own pace.
1:1 and Small Group Options
Choose individual sessions tailored to your child's specific needs, or small group lessons that build confidence while supporting the social aspects of learning. No curriculum pressure. No comparison to other kids.
Structured but Flexible
I follow evidence-based literacy methods (phonics, structured literacy), but adapt everything to what your child needs in the moment. As a parent of neurodivergent children, I know how important flexibility is.
Confidence First, Then Progress
We celebrate small wins. We don't rush. The goal is for your child to feel safe, capable, and willing to try — that's when real learning happens.
What Makes This Different from Other Tutoring?
❌ Not a uni student doing homework help
I have 5+ years of specialized literacy tutoring experience and real-world understanding of how diverse learners think.
❌ Not grade-focused or test-driven
We work on foundational skills and understanding, not memorisation.
❌ Not one-size-fits-all lessons
Every session is designed around your child's current needs. As a mum of three neurodivergent children, I truly understand how different every child is.
❌ Not stressful or pressured
If your child is overwhelmed, we slow down. Learning should feel safe.
Real Changes You Might Notice
These are the real changes parents tell me about — not test scores, but the things that actually matter in daily life.
Less anxiety about reading and writing
They stop saying "I can't" and start trying again. Homework battles ease up.
Visible, tangible improvement
Clearer spelling, smoother reading, better sentence structure — progress you can see at home and school.
They actually look forward to sessions
No fights, no tears. They feel safe, understood, and capable of learning.
You understand what's happening
Clear progress updates so you know exactly what we're working on and why.
Growing independence
Your child starts to attempt things on their own, rather than giving up immediately.
Belief that they CAN learn
The biggest shift: they stop thinking they're "bad at reading" and start seeing themselves as learners.
What Parents Say
Hear from families who've seen real change in their children's confidence and learning.
"Before Skill Sprout, learning often ended in frustration. After a few weeks, my child felt calmer and more confident, and learning no longer felt like a constant struggle."
— Parent of Year 2 student
"This was the first tutoring experience where my neurodivergent child truly felt understood. The sessions were flexible and respectful, and that made a noticeable difference in engagement and progress."
— Parent of Year 4 student
"My child was anxious about reading and falling behind. Skill Sprout focused on building strong foundations, and within weeks we saw clearer reading and much less stress at home."
— Parent of Year 1 student
"My child absolutely loves working with Cherie. She connects in a calm, supportive way that makes learning feel safe, and my child feels proud of their progress."
— Parent of Year 2 student
"Cherie quickly built a strong relationship with my child, and for the first time my child actually looks forward to tutoring. Learning feels enjoyable rather than pressured."
— Parent of Year 4 student
"After trying tutoring before without success, we were hesitant to try again. Skill Sprout felt different straight away — there was no pressure, just understanding. My child now feels capable instead of overwhelmed."
— Parent of Year 5 student
The Literacy Skills We Focus On
Everything is tailored to your child, but here's what we typically work on together.
Reading
Decoding, fluency, and comprehension — helping your child read with confidence and understanding.
Spelling and Phonics
Building strong phonics foundations and spelling strategies so writing becomes easier.
Writing
Sentence structure, grammar, and expressing ideas clearly and creatively.
Speaking and Listening
Building communication confidence through discussion, storytelling, and active listening.
Try a Free Trial Lesson — No Pressure, Just Learning
Not sure if this is right for your child? Book a free trial session so they can meet me, see how I work, and decide if it feels like a good fit.
What happens in your free trial:
- A full session (not just a chat) — your child experiences real learning in a safe, supportive environment
- I assess their strengths and identify where they need support, without tests or pressure
- You'll see my approach firsthand — how I adapt, encourage, and make learning feel safe
- After the session, I'll explain what I noticed, what we can work on, and answer all your questions
- Zero obligation — you decide if it's the right fit. No hard sell, no pressure to continue
Common concern: "Will my child feel tested or judged?"
Answer: No. The trial is about connection and comfort, not assessment. We just chat, try some activities, and see how they feel. If they're overwhelmed, we slow down or stop. Their emotional safety always comes first.
If Tutoring Hasn't Worked Before...
You're not alone. Many parents come to me after disappointing experiences elsewhere. Here's what might have gone wrong — and how Skill Sprout is different.
❌ Previous tutoring was generic homework help
A student helped with assignments but didn't address the underlying literacy gaps.
✅ How Skill Sprout is different:
I focus on foundational skills — phonics, decoding, fluency — not just getting homework done. We build the skills that make homework easier.
❌ It was too fast or too pressured
Your child felt rushed, overwhelmed, or like they were failing all over again.
✅ How Skill Sprout is different:
We go at your child's pace. If they need to slow down or take a break, we do. No shame. No comparison to other kids. Just steady, sustainable progress.
❌ The tutor didn't understand neurodivergence
ADHD, autism, or PDA needs weren't accommodated — it was rigid and "one size fits all."
✅ How Skill Sprout is different:
I have deep personal and professional experience with neurodivergent learners. I adapt, give breaks, follow your child's lead, and work with their unique needs and strengths.
❌ Your child dreaded every session
It became another chore, another place to feel inadequate or "behind."
✅ How Skill Sprout is different:
Kids actually look forward to sessions because they feel safe, seen, and capable. Learning can feel good again when there's no judgment and plenty of encouragement.
For parents who feel burnt out or worried:
If you've tried everything and feel exhausted, I get it. You haven't failed your child — sometimes it's just about finding the right match. The trial session is risk-free. You'll know pretty quickly if this feels different.
Spot the Sprout!
Our little Sprout mascot is hiding throughout the website!
Can you find and click on all the hidden Sprouts? Look carefully — they might be peeking out from behind things, sneaking around corners, or playing hide and seek!
Your Child Deserves to Feel Capable
If reading and writing feel hard right now, that's okay. With the right support, your child can make real progress — and actually enjoy learning again.