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Personal, one-to-one Early Years tuition for children aged 2 to 5

If you’re looking for an Early Years tutor in London to support your young child or children, Lionheart Education has been providing individualised EYFS tuition since 1989. We know from experience that tuition at this age should be light and fun, but still focused on the educational needs of the child. Our tutors get to know your child personally, understand how they learn, and shape lessons accordingly so they get the maximum benefit from tuition.

Children are just beginning to form their knowledge of the world around them at this young age, and we tailor each session based on the fundamentals of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and we do it through play, word games, and engaging activities. From the ages of 2 to 4, we focus on building language skills through stories and worksheets, and helping children to make sense of numbers early in their development.

If you are preparing for 4+ entry, we have specialised 4+ tutors in London who can remove any stress around the entrance interview. Our tutors have lots of experience in working with under 5s, and consider everything from attention span and temperament to the age and stage of the child when engaging with them in private tuition sessions.

Discover Private Tuition at Lionheart

Young child learning through educational games during a playful primary tuition session.
Young child in front of a shelf of wooden toys at minimalist nursery

The EYFS foundations taught the Lionheart way

The EYFS Statutory Framework in the UK sets the standards for early-years learning and child development in England, and our EYFS tutors in London have an excellent knowledge of this important framework. Learning should never feel taxing at this age, but instead foster a lifelong thirst for learning more about the world around them. That’s why learning is conducted in a variety of ways, from drawing and investigative conversations to memory and sorting games, as well as physical movement.

This feels natural to a child, and they will be expanding their knowledge base with their tutor without even realising it. As each session is personalised to the individual child, we can hone in on certain areas of development specifically.

A Lionheart Education nursery tutor in London is able to read a child’s mood and answer all of their inquisitive questions, bringing structure to each session without overwhelming the child.

Our EYFS literacy tutors can zero in on vocabulary, phonology, and confidence with reading, and EYFS numeracy tutors help children to recognise patterns in numbers and compare amounts. Parents receive valuable feedback after each session so they understand exactly what their child is learning and how well they are progressing.

How We Support

4+ Pre-prep entrance preparation in London

Tests and interviews are nerve-wracking for both children and adults, so our 4+ tutors in London prepare your child for assessment without stress and anxiety. We cover all 4+ pre-prep tuition in London, including Kensington and Westminster.

  • What 4+ assessments look for

    London pre-prep work and junior school entry can vary by school, but most 4+ assessments will look at a range of criteria, including confidence, motor control, reasoning, listening, and understanding of numbers. Our tutors will always research the criteria for each particular school before sessions begin. We know that at this age, schools with limited placements are looking for certain abilities in children, and our tutors help bring out your child’s natural curiosity and responsiveness so they can shine at their 4+ assessment.

  • Building confidence in young learners

    You can rest assured that our tutors are patient with children and know how to get the very best out of them, whether it’s building their confidence when conversing with adults, or improving their ability to put their thoughts into words.

Reception readiness and confidence building

Starting school is an emotional but exciting time for both children and parents. We’re here to prepare your child for this important transition.

  • What school readiness means

    School readiness encompasses a multitude of skills that are learned gradually, and for the best possible start at their new school, our Early Years tutors are there to prepare your child. Whether it’s confidence to meet new adults and classmates, building independence, or having the emotional readiness to enter Reception on a full-time basis, school readiness tuition gives children the boost they need to make the most of this new chapter in their lives.

  • How we support early learners

    We work closely with children to develop the basic skills needed to excel in Nursery, Reception, and Year 1, including listening to teachers’ instructions, holding a pencil correctly, asking for help when needed, and counting objects.

  • Understanding separation anxiety and confidence issues

    For most children, the issue with starting part-time or full-time education is not lack of ability; it is the hesitation of being in a new environment, a reluctance to separate from parents, and confidence to be themselves around others.

  • Our approach to Early Years tuition

    Our Early Years tutors in London get to know both your family and your child, and with small tasks they extend the level of challenge in line, never pushing them further than they are comfortable with.

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Educational Consultancy

Early Years tuition and school admissions

If you need Early Years & Nursery Admissions consultancy, Lionheart Education is well placed to offer our first-class advisory service to parents in London and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

  • When should we start Early Years tuition?

    The best age to start Early Years tuition is around 9 to 12 months before the start of Reception, when children are between 3 and 4. If you’re concerned about school readiness, language development, or specific areas of concern, earlier tuition is also possible as we shape each programme around the child’s age, confidence, abilities, and temperament. 

  • Is Early Years tuition appropriate at this young age?

    Yes, children are like a sponge, constantly absorbing the world around them, so Early Years tuition capitalises on this with age-appropriate sessions. Our senior tutors will work to develop literacy, numeracy, and confidence with fun tasks and educational games to strengthen their academic foundations ahead of school.

  • Does Lionheart Education prepare children for 4+ entrance assessments?

    Yes, many of the best independent junior schools in London and across the UK require pre-prep assessments for 4+ entry, and we can help you to prepare as a family. We have an excellent understanding of the assessment formats, so we work on all of the key areas such as task engagement and language skills, as well as providing EYFS consultancy. 

  • What does an EYFS tutor work on with children?

    An EYFS tutor can work on everything from early literacy and numeracy to listening attentively to stories, fine motor control, and building confidence with new adults and peers. Our tutors work closely with parents and children to observe how they learn, then build sessions tailored to them for the best results. 

  • How does this differ from Early Years & Nursery Admissions consultancy?

    In addition to our Under-5 private tuition, we also offer Early Years & Nursery Admissions consultancy that can help when choosing which nurseries and pre-preps to apply to. We can deliver a complete package of both tuition and consultancy, but tuition helps to develop the child academically and socially, whereas consultancy advises the parents. 

  • Where is tuition held?

    Early Years tuition works best in familiar environments, so we typically come to your home where your child feels most comfortable. We can also provide tuition in gardens, local parks, or child-friendly venues. The key is creating a relaxed, pressure-free environment where natural learning can flourish.

  • What's the difference between nursery learning and private tuition?

    While nurseries focus on group activities and social development, private tuition offers completely individualised attention tailored to your child’s interests, learning style, and pace. Our tutors can follow your child’s curiosity in the moment – spending longer on activities they love or gently introducing new concepts when they’re most receptive.

  • How long should sessions be for this age group?

    Sessions typically last 45-60 minutes, but we’re completely flexible based on your child’s attention span and engagement. Some 2-year-olds thrive with 30-minute sessions, while engaged 4-year-olds might enjoy longer periods. Our tutors are skilled at reading children’s cues and ending on a positive note.

  • Should I be thinking about school admissions?

    If you’re considering independent schools with 4+ entry, it’s worth understanding the timeline and requirements early. However, the best preparation at this age is simply nurturing your child’s natural curiosity, confidence, and love of learning. Schools look for happy, engaged children who can separate from parents and interact positively with others – qualities that develop naturally through quality play-based experiences.

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Build the right foundation from the very start

Discover how our play-led approach sparks curiosity and sets the stage for confident, capable learners.