Why Timing Makes All the Difference

— A Private Practitioner’s Perspective

As a private literacy specialist, I work with children who need targeted, explicit support to build the foundational skills required for reading and spelling. These are bright, capable kids who, for a variety of reasons, haven’t yet developed the confidence or skills they need to thrive with literacy. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned through years of working in private practice is this:

Timing matters. A lot.

While many families seek out support outside of school hours—before school, after school, or on weekends—I’ve found that children make the most progress when they access literacy intervention during school hours. Here’s why I believe this approach is not only ideal, but essential.

Kids Learn Best When They’re Fresh

Most of the students I work with are already putting in a great deal of effort during the school day. For children with literacy difficulties, the cognitive load is heavier than we often realise—they’re constantly working harder to decode words, keep up with classroom instructions, and mask their struggles.

By the end of the day, they’re exhausted. Their ability to focus, stay positive, and engage in learning is significantly reduced. In contrast, when I see students during the school day, they arrive more alert, more emotionally regulated, and far more able to participate in the work we’re doing.

The difference in focus and progress is undeniable.

It’s Not “Missing School”—It Is School

Sometimes families worry about their child missing class time to attend a session with me during school hours. But I always reassure them: the literacy work we’re doing is not extra—it’s essential. Reading and spelling are not isolated skills; they’re the foundation of every academic subject. Investing time in literacy now saves time (and struggle) across the board later.

When sessions take place during the school day, students are often more receptive and see the intervention as part of their learning journey—not something they have to “fit in” around an already packed schedule.

An Investment That Deserves the Right Conditions

Private literacy intervention is an investment—both in time and in money. Families are committing resources because they know how important it is to build strong foundational skills. That’s why it’s so important to make every session count.

If a child is tired, distracted, or emotionally drained by the time they walk into a session, the quality of their learning can be compromised. When sessions are scheduled during school hours—when students are fresher, calmer, and more cognitively available—we’re better able to maximise the return on that investment. Every minute is used more effectively, and progress is often faster.

A More Equitable, Accessible Option

Offering sessions during the school day also creates more flexibility for families. Not every household has the capacity to juggle after-school appointments. Parents may be working, younger siblings may be in tow, or students may have extracurriculars they’re passionate about. In-school hours appointments reduce stress for families and support greater consistency—which leads to better outcomes.

Final Thoughts

In my role as a literacy practitioner, my goal is always to support students in a way that is respectful of their energy, their confidence, and their time. By delivering intervention during school hours, we give students the best chance to engage, absorb, and apply what they’re learning—while they’re fresh, focused, and most ready to grow.

Reading success isn’t just about what we teach—it’s also about when. Families are making a meaningful investment in their child’s future, and it's important that we provide that support under the best possible conditions—when it has the greatest impact.