Education Quandary: Should I sign up my children for classes with a very good local maths tutor rumoured to behave suspiciously with pupils?

Hilary's advice

Like so many questions submitted to Quandary, this is all about common sense, and neither I, nor any readers, can answer your question sensibly. We don't know this maths tutor, nor do we know how strong or valid these rumours are.

All I can say is: evaluate things for yourself. Weigh up what you feel about the rumours. Ask other parents who have used this man and, if he's employed by an agency, ring to find out if his Criminal Records Bureau check is in place. If you haven't already met him, do so and then be honest with yourself about what you feel.

If you decide to go ahead, suggest to him you have a trial couple of sessions to see if it works out with your children and make sure you are always close at hand.

At the same time, ensure your children know what to do if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation with an adult – in fact, do this whether or not you decide to use this tutor.

More than one in ten children in state schools has a home tutor at some time in their school lives, and very many of these tutors are working entirely unchecked – so, if you go into this situation at least do it with your eyes open.

Of course, the one thing no good parent would ever do is let their driving ambition for school success cloud their judgment about their children's health and welfare.

Reader's advice

Our children's piano teacher had a similar reputation, so we asked him to teach them at our house on the piano they were used to. He was happy to do this and we paid him a little extra to cover his petrol costs. This meant that one or both of us was always in the house while the lessons were taking place.

If the tutor won't agree to come to your house, then, when you take your son to his house, ask if he would mind you sitting in the hall, or somewhere to wait, explaining that it's hardly worth your while to struggle home through the traffic only to have to get in the car again after a few minutes at home. Take a paper or magazine to read while you wait.

He may well get the message that you have heard about his reputation and be wary, but of course if he starts inviting your son to go fishing, camping or to a football match with him, decline firmly. If he persists, you may have to consider finding another tutor.

Michael Clarke, Nottingham

I think you should listen to the rumours. People love to gossip, but there is rarely smoke without fire. People of a certain kind can be attracted to doing private tutoring for all the wrong motives.

Christine Alberg, Surrey

Why do you need a tutor at all? Save your money, and ask the teachers at school for extra work and support.

Jill de Vere, London SW20

Next Week's Quandary

Why is technology being made into a main subject that all primary school children must learn? Like so many parents, I spend my time trying to get my children off their computers and mobile phones, but in school they are going to be taught the opposite.

Send your replies, or any quandaries you would like to have addressed, to h.wilce@btinternet. com. Please include your postal address. Readers whose replies are printed will receive a Collins Paperback English Dictionary 5th Edition. Previous quandaries are online at www.hilarywilce.com where they can be searched by topic.