Specialist learning support · Buderim, Sunshine Coast QLD
Every learner shines with the right support.
Is your child struggling with reading, writing, or maths?
You are in the right place. I'm Mary Grace Francis, a specialist learning support educator based in Buderim on the Sunshine Coast. With nearly 20 years of experience, I help primary and high school students — including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, and other learning differences — build real skills and genuine confidence.
My approach is always personalised to your child. I draw on proven, evidence-based programmes, including Orton-Gillingham for reading and spelling, and multi-sensory Mathematics methods for number skills — then tailor every session to your child's actual learning style.
How It Works
1 - Get in touch
Tell me a little about your child — what they are finding difficult, what has been tried already, and what you are hoping for.
2 - Assessment session
I spend time getting to know your child as a learner — their strengths, their challenges, and how they process and respond to information.
3 - Learning Plan
Every student receives an individualised learning plan built around their specific needs and goals — not a generic programme.
Services
Skill Enhancement
Weekly sessions to build confidence and strengthen core English or Maths skills
Homeschool Support
Tailored plans that work alongside your family's curriculum and learning style
Intensive Tutoring
3–4 sessions per week for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or learning differences
At No Cost to You
Free Resources
Supporting a child who learns differently can feel overwhelming — especially when you are trying to find reliable information. Below are some of the organisations and tools I trust and recommend to families.
Australia's leading organisation for dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. Free fact sheets, parent guides, and school resources.
Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect)
Free resources for families, including school support guides, sensory strategies, and fact sheets.
Australia Dyslexia Association
Free dyslexia screening checklists, parent information, and guidance on accessing support at school.
Free Fact sheets for families and teachers covering ADHD strategies, diagnosis, and support at school.
Trusted parenting website that has evidence-based guides on ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and supporting learning at home.
My collection of hands-on maths games and activities you can use at home to build number sense and confidence.
For more in-depth, research-informed guidance on specific learning differences, visit the Learning Hub.
Common Questions
Questions Parents Ask
Can’t find your answer here? Visit our full FAQ page or get in touch directly.
Q: Who can I help?
I provide targeted support for both primary and high school students who need help with English and Maths. In English, I work with students throughout their high school years, while in Maths, I offer support up to algebra level.
I tailor my teaching to suit individual learning needs, including students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. My approach is also well-suited to neurodivergent learners, including those with autism and ADHD.
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Q: Does my child need a formal diagnosis to get started?
A: No — a formal diagnosis is never required. Many children I work with have not been formally assessed, but they are clearly struggling with reading, writing, maths, or confidence. I carry out my own informal assessment at the start so that every session is targeted from day one. If your child has existing educational or psychological testing reports, they are genuinely useful, and I will always incorporate them into the learning plan.
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Q: What is the difference between a specialist learning support educator and a regular tutor?
A: A general tutor typically reinforces what your child's school is already teaching. A specialist learning support educator goes a step further — I assess the underlying reasons your child is finding things difficult and use structured, evidence-based programmes to address those root causes directly. For children with dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning differences, this distinction matters enormously. Standard tutoring approaches often don't produce lasting change for these learners, because the teaching method itself needs to be different, not just the content.
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Q: How quickly will my child start to see results?
A: Most students begin to feel noticeably more confident within the first few sessions, simply because the sessions are designed around how they actually learn. Measurable academic improvement — things you and their teacher can see and track — typically emerges within one to three months of consistent support. Progress always depends on the individual child, the frequency of sessions, and the specific challenges involved. I monitor progress regularly and adjust the approach as your child grows, so we are never working from an outdated plan.
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Q: Do you offer online sessions?
A: Yes — general English and Maths support sessions are available both in person and online, giving families across the Sunshine Coast greater flexibility. Intensive dyslexia and dyscalculia remediation sessions are conducted face-to-face. These sessions rely heavily on hands-on, multisensory materials — physical manipulatives, letter tiles, tactile tools — that simply cannot be replicated as effectively on a screen. If you are unsure which format suits your child, I am happy to talk it through before you commit to anything.
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Q: What learning differences do you specialise in?
A: My specialist training covers dyslexia and dyscalculia. I have extensive experience supporting students with autism, dysgraphia, ADHD, processing disorders, executive function difficulties, and general learning delays. Beyond these specific profiles, I regularly work with students who simply need more support than a busy classroom can provide — children who are bright and capable but not yet reaching their potential. Whatever your child's profile, the starting point is always the same: I get to know them as a learner before anything else.
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Q: How do you keep parents informed about their child's progress?
A: Staying connected with you is an important part of how I work. After sessions, I am happy to share brief updates in the Learning Plan on what we covered and what your child can practise at home. I also conduct regular progress reviews and adjust the Learning Plan as your child develops. I welcome your questions at any time — you are never left wondering what is happening in sessions or whether things are moving in the right direction. If helpful, I can also communicate with your child's classroom teacher or other specialists involved in their care.
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Q: Can NDIS funding be used for learning support sessions?
A: While I am not a registered provider, some families may be able to use NDIS funding to support their child's learning, depending on the goals outlined in their child's plan. This is worth exploring with your NDIS planner or support coordinator, particularly if your child's plan includes goals related to communication, functional learning skills, or community participation. I am happy to provide information to support this conversation if needed — please feel free to get in touch to discuss your situation.
Testimonials
Penny Ravenscroft
“Thank you so much for the gentle, smiley, and calm way you have managed/taught/loved Jesse this year. He loves you a lot, and I have been in awe of how you seem to sail along so beautifully and in such a classy way!”
Vicki Rutch
“We are so thankful that Will has been able to have this year with you and has been able to experience your passionate, dynamic and full-of-life teaching style. Your kindness, gentleness and understanding have allowed him to feel so comfortable. We also acknowledge the burden of the diverse needs, including Will's, that you manage daily. We know that you make learning an adventure, and Will has grown so passionate this year about what he is learning. He comes home most days excited for something he has learned and with so many more questions!”
Nancy Ford
Ms. Francis “has an outstanding reputation at the school, and is well-known and respected by the students, parents, staff, and administration...She is adept at adapting the curriculum and her teaching style to meet the unique learning styles of all children...I highly recommend Ms. Francis. Her energy, passion, and commitment to teaching children will be greatly appreciated by your students and parents. Ms. Francis has made a lasting impression on our children.”
Dr Esther Silvers
"Ms. Francis established herself as the writing guru and became a key member of our faculty...An area where Mary Grace excels is in teaching ESOL or special education students...Ms. Francis has initiative, personal motivation, and is a strong role model.”
Convenient Location
I'm based near Matthew Flinders, Siena, Sunshine Coast Grammar, Buderim Mountain, Chevallum, and Kuluin schools.
Contact
Interested in learning more? Please fill out the information below telling me about your child’s learning needs, and we will be in touch with you soon.
