Testimonials

“My son has had maths lessons with Mary since being diagnosed as dyscalculic 2 years ago.

Her step by step approach has led to a reduction in his ‘maths fear’. He now has a better understanding of the basic concepts and has been taught secure foundations by Mary. He is now more able to apply his knowledge to new problems.

Mary’s approach is such that he always feels able to ask for help from her. The lessons have just the right amount of over-learning that dyscalculics need combined with a gentle approach to new material. Above all she makes the lessons fun.

A highly recommended teacher!”

Mrs H. - Wisbech


“We have three children that all have received tutoring from Mary. Two of our children have dyslexia and had real self confidence issues prior to Mary's sessions. Mary's extensive experience with children with dyslexia and associated conditions meant she could tailor make her teaching programmes with the children and address their individual and specific needs. She has a very engaging manner with the children. Boundaries are clear but lessons are fun and informal. All three children enjoyed her lessons, their self confidence improved and significant improvements occurred with their school work and exams. My dyslexic son's predicted SATs score in English went up two levels after 6 months of weekly tutoring. My elder dyslexic daughter far exceeded her predicted results in her GCSE's and gained the confidence to undertake A levels. All in all we would heartily recommend Mary's tutoring services.”

The Rose Family


“Our son was a confused, unconfident, unhappy child who was becoming all too aware that the written world around him did not make sense and was one he couldn't access. As his mother, I was very concerned that he simply didn't 'get it' and was frustrated. Reading was becoming a battleground. Mainstream school was not offering the support he and I needed and clearly felt I was fussing unnecessarily. It was a struggle with my son and school. I felt very isolated. He was disinterested and falling behind.

Mrs Smyth has been fantastic. As a very experienced teacher, she was rapidly able to identify where our son needed help. She started a tailor-made programme which was fun and interesting. She understood the way his mind worked and so was able to talk to him and teach him in a way he would understand and respond to. With careful planning and back-to-basics, repetitive strategies she unlocked his abilities and helped him understand and now even enjoy the written word. She also showed me how best to help him too. That confused, frustrated child is now making good progress and is a happy, interested, more confident, enquiring child. All thanks to Mrs Smyth.”

Mrs Lawrence - Witcham


“Testimony to the work of Mrs Smyth

A bright little boy of eight who was shutting down to the world of words.
Now the joy of having my little boy’s eyes opened to reading words.

He is a clever boy who loved to talk and used a wide vocabulary for his age.
He is a boy who loved to create things with play-dough, card and other materials.
He is a boy who loved drawing.

He would sit and look at books and we would read to him constantly. However I saw that he looked in books at the pictures but he never read a word. He did not bring home a reading book from school for a year. The teachers said he was struggling with mathematics and his concentration was poor. I said he probably could not read the questions. I pushed the school for help but perhaps not hard enough and let matters drift along.

Then I heard about Mrs Smyth and contacted her. Within four months she has opened my little boy’s eyes to the world of words. Thank you so much Mrs Smyth.

Mrs Smyth realised immediately that he did not know his alphabet properly, or vowels and had problems blending his sounds.

We work together and I play the games Mrs Smyth makes for him at home with him and he learns all the time and this is opening up the world of words.

Please do not let your child be locked outside the world of words. Dyslexia is a rainbow of different difficulties. Mrs Smyth is very skilful at unlocking the doors of difficulty and your child will soon be able to shine properly.”

Mary Newman of Little Thetford