Building a supportive community and giving back: SEND Tutoring's success story

Ione faced her own barriers throughout education, dealing with dyslexia. Following on from a non-traditional journey through university at 29 and a later PGCE, Ione began teaching. Recognising the reflection of her own challenges in the classroom and holding a deep interest for the way that children work and learn, SEND Tutoring slowly developed as a concept. Today, the business demonstrates impact through an array of encouraging testimonials and proven success.

Multidisciplinary content without academic pressure

During maternity leave and in the first few years of SEND Tutoring’s development, Ione was recommended the Help to Grow: Management Course by a contact in her network. Drawn in by the subsidised cost and the multidisciplinary content, Ione decided to enrol on the programme, designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With a strong awareness of her own educational strengths and priorities, Ione valued the lack of formal examination, with the course prioritising immediate business application rather than assessment.

Access to an inspiring community

Ione talks favourably of the breadth of experience you can access through the varied community of leaders on your cohort. The Help to Grow: Management Course brings together a range of industries, paired with SME experts to lead the classes, providing you with a dedicated space to focus on business challenges and priorities within an open, knowledge sharing environment. Considering Ione's personal circumstances - recently having a baby and operating a micro-SME - this community element was invaluable for making supportive connections in a potentially isolating environment.

Continuing to engage and grow

Using the knowledge gained on the course about digital tools and systems, Ione is currently adopting a CRM system with the hope of streamlining and supporting business operations. Ione continues to engage with the Help to Grow: Management alumni community, attending Birkbeck-led events on cutting-edge topics such as AI and digital skills, demonstrating that the impact of this course continues beyond the classroom.

Ione has big ambitions for SEND Tutoring, hoping to scale and grow within the UK following successful profit figures in a short timeframe. Understanding the concept of SMART targets through Help to Grow: Management has helped to solidify and centre Ione’s sense of business purpose within everything she does. She speaks with immense passion when outlining future business plans for supporting children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities, focusing on increasing capacity in priority areas, and continuing to give back through her business.

Invest in your business

If you’re an SME leader looking to expand your business acumen and gain inspiration from likeminded individuals, explore the Help to Grow: Management Course at Birkbeck. It may be the best investment you make.