
Independent Tutor in Philosophy
with Annie Webster PhD
​
An open learning experience tailored to children with SEN and anxiety with schooling
Going Beyond the Diagnosis…
​​​​
Education should inspire curiosity, foster growth, and empower students to explore the world with confidence. As a tutor, I aim to create a safe and engaging environment where students can develop their unique strengths, ask meaningful questions, and connect their learning to their personal interests and experiences.
​
As both a student of philosophy and life, I offer a tutoring service tailored to the needs of children with specific learning needs and have anxiety with traditional schooling methods. My tutoring is open to funding programmes, but, as an independent tutor my commitments and communication are direct with the students and their families.
​
My Approach
My teaching is all about being child-led, letting students take charge of their learning journey. I adapt my sessions to fit each child’s EHCP, EOTA assessment, or any other goals they or their family might have—whether that’s working toward GCSEs, building life skills, or simply rediscovering trust in education.
​
Trust comes first. For me, building a strong connection is the foundation of everything. Sometimes, this means starting with something simple and comforting—like watching films together—to create a shared space before diving into deeper learning.
I keep my approach low-demand, giving students the room to guide their own experiences and grow at a pace that feels right for them. I’ll only raise the level of challenge when the student is ready. Keeping things light, fun, and sparked by their interests ensures that learning happens naturally, with curiosity leading the way.
​
It’s a gentle, holistic approach that prioritizes enjoyment and exploration while keeping the child’s emotional, intellectual, and social well-being at the heart of it all. By meeting each student where they are, I aim to create a safe and inspiring environment where confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning can flourish—both in our sessions and beyond.
Why Me?
I hold a PhD in the Philosophy of Cognitive Science from Oxford Brookes University, supported by over a decade of academic training in philosophy and psychology. As a deep thinker and keen observer of the world, I have come to appreciate that while ADHD, EMSA, PDA autism, or dyslexia provide useful insights, they often fall short in capturing the richness of a child’s individuality.
Where the real magic lies is in understanding how each child sees the world. My focus is on building trust and connection, creating a space where students can explore their unique perspectives without being limited by labels. Through child-led learning, I guide students into a world of curiosity and wonder shaped by their own interests.
​
I can relate to children who feel out of place in the world. While my educational journey appeared smooth on the surface, I later realized I was grappling with high-functioning mental and emotional health challenges. Over the past decade, I’ve worked to untangle my own inner conflicts and heal my nervous system, gaining a deep understanding of trauma and recovery through my experience with Complex PTSD.
​
This journey has shaped my holistic approach to education. Beyond my philosophical expertise, I bring a variety of skills, including training in wholefoods cooking, experience in outdoor education (as a former canoe and kayak coach), and soon-to-be certifications as a Qi Gong and Tai Chi instructor.
My work in non-formal education over the past five years has shown me how to apply these perspectives and skills flexibly. I’ve worked with organizations such as The Philosophy Foundation, Erasmus+ programs, the Scouts, the ASHA Centre, and the Montessori School in Llangattock. These experiences have inspired my passion for alternative approaches to education and helped me develop methods that engage students meaningfully with the world around them.
​
Why Philosophy?
Philosophy is the study of questions about life, knowledge, values, and existence. It’s about exploring ideas and challenging assumptions, encouraging students to think critically and express themselves with confidence. Philosophy isn’t about having the “right” answers—it’s about asking meaningful questions and learning how to approach them thoughtfully.
​
For students who feel disconnected from traditional education, philosophy offers the freedom to explore their own ideas and interests. A single question—like “why?” or “how?”—can spark curiosity and lead to self-expression, critical thinking, and a deeper engagement with the world.
​
Philosophy naturally integrates with subjects like science, history, literature, and art, helping students rediscover their love of learning. It’s especially valuable for those who feel limited by labels, offering a space to explore their unique perspectives and interests.
By starting with what fascinates each student, philosophy fosters confidence, curiosity, and the skills to think critically about the world around them—skills that extend far beyond our sessions together.
Testimonials​
"My daughter first met Annie when I took her to a philosophy workshop at Llangattock school. As was usual for my child, she was unable to engage within the group settings and I had to stay with her. She was however interested in Annie’s teachings and her curiosity sparked: she wanted me to speak for her and at the end of the session, felt brave enough to tell Annie about a film she’d watched which also discussed some of the questions we’d explored in the workshop. Annie agreed to come and watch the film with her and hence began our tutoring sessions. My daughter is often reluctant to engage with any tutor and takes time to build trust, seemingly worried about what might be asked of her. Annie has been patient yet encouraging, Engaging and flexible listening to my child yet also pushing and questioning as time continues and their relationship builds. There’s always negotiation and compromise! My daughter looks forward to her time with Annie which in itself is huge for us and I can’t wait to see what additional progress Annie manages to prise out of her!"
​
-Mrs Allen, Mother to 11-year-old student with dyslexia and an EHCP
​​
"It's been such a relief for us to find Annie. With a substantial amount of school based trauma from needs not being understood or met leading to burnout and a good level of demand avoidance we needed someone who wasn't going to try to covertly place demands on my son and simply be an invitation into learning again without pressure. Annie just by her very nature has the perfect approach. None of the fakery we'd got used to from education staff, none of the trying to be engaging that my child sees straight through and switches off to. Just real on a level relating and genuine interest in him and his perspectives. She has reignited a curiosity and interest in learning in my son because it doesn't feel like the forced learning that he had experienced in school. I only wish we'd found her sooner!"
​
-Rachel, Mother to 15-year-old student with ADHD and SPD,
unable to access school for 2 years
Other Things to Know
-
Individual and Group Sessions: While my current focus is one-on-one tutoring, I plan to offer small group sessions in the future to help students build social skills, connections, and friendships with peers who share similar needs.
-
Family Collaboration: I value the insight and expertise of families. Input from parents, caregivers, and even close friends helps me tailor sessions to suit each child’s interests and needs.
-
Holistic Approach: Activities such as cooking, eating, walking, or gentle exercise can be integrated into sessions if they support the child’s needs.
-
Age groups: I have experience teaching philosophy to children aged 7 and up. Philosophy tutoring is most effective from around age 9-10 and up. I am also able to work with teenagers and young adults,
-
Flexible Scheduling: Session length and frequency depend on the student’s needs. I balance this flexibility with travel time and other commitments.
-
Base Rate: £45 per hour
-
Location: Based in the Forest of Dean near Cinderford, I am willing to travel within reason to Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, and Monmouthshire. Sessions can take place at the student's home with the option of online work too.
Relevant Qualifications and Experience
​​
-
PhD in Philosophy
-
DBS Checked
-
Safeguarding Training
-
Five Years Experience: A-Level and GCSE psychology tutor (private tutorial college in Oxford and Montessori School in Llangattock).
-
Ten Years Experience: Philosophy specialist facilitating discussions with children and adults (primary and secondary schools, Erasmus+ projects, and online).
-
A season teaching Philosophy and Engaging in the home education community in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
-
Experience working with students with autism, dyslexia, and ADHD.
Other Teaching Serivces
-
A Level and GCSE Philosophy
-
A Level and GCSE Psychology
-
Group sessions in Philosophy discussions for all ages
-
Tailored made Philosophy and/or Psychology courses