Hello, I'm Toni Mellon Backhouse, founder of Positive Progressions Tutoring.

I am a passionate and experienced tutor with over 15 years of working in education, supporting children and young people to achieve their full potential. My career has included teaching, learning support and educational welfare/support (youth offending team), giving me a broad understanding of the different challenges children can face throughout their educational journey. Whether a child needs help building confidence, catching up, or overcoming specific learning barriers, I believe every learner deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Before establishing Positive Progressions Tutoring, I worked as a Learning Support Assistant and SENDCo Assistant in a Hampshire primary school. During this time, I provided one-to-one and small group support, delivered phonics, literacy and numeracy interventions, and carried out dyslexia screening alongside tailored intervention programmes for pupils with specific learning difficulties. I was also responsible for teaching upper KS2 when the class teacher was not available. This hands-on experience enabled me to develop a thorough understanding of the National Curriculum and effective teaching strategies while supporting children with a wide range of learning needs.

I have completed specialist training in dyslexia, autism, Makaton and supporting learners with specific learning difficulties, enabling me to adapt every lesson to suit each child's individual strengths, challenges and learning style. I understand that no two children learn in the same way, so every tutoring programme is personalised to help them make meaningful progress at a pace that's right for them.

At Positive Progressions Tutoring, my focus is on creating a calm, encouraging and supportive environment where children feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and celebrating their achievements. Building confidence is just as important to me as improving academic skills because I know that when children believe in themselves, they are capable of achieving so much more.

Based in Alton, Hampshire, I provide personalised tutoring in KS1, KS2, Lower KS3 and SEND Literacy and Numeracy, helping children develop the skills, confidence and enthusiasm they need to thrive both in school and beyond.