Unlocking Confidence and Creativity: Group Writing Tuition for Children at Hurstworks
By Ryan Cannell, Creative Writing Tutor at Hurstworks
Creative writing has the power to do so much more than improve a child’s spelling or punctuation. It helps young people find their voice, grow in confidence, and take pride in what they create.
At Hurstworks, I run group writing sessions for children aged 8-12 who may feel uninspired by traditional English lessons or struggle to keep up with the pace of the curriculum. These small, friendly groups offer a space where imagination is celebrated—and important writing skills are built naturally, without pressure.
Why Creative Writing?
Before becoming a full-time tutor, I worked as a teaching assistant supporting both mainstream classes and children with special educational needs (SEN). I saw first-hand how often children are told what to write, rather than being encouraged to explore what they want to say. Creative writing flips that on its head, giving children ownership of their ideas.
Whether it’s inventing a superhero, writing a football commentary, or describing a spooky setting, creative writing engages children with language in a meaningful way, helping them develop confidence and a love for storytelling.
Building SPaG Skills (Without the Boredom)
One of the biggest benefits of creative writing is how it naturally supports grammar, punctuation, and spelling (SPaG). For example, we might explore how a well-placed comma builds suspense or how swapping a verb can transform a sentence. These moments come up organically during the writing process and tend to stick better too.
A Break from the Pressure
Many children find the current curriculum overwhelming, with little time to slow down and revisit ideas. My sessions offer an alternative, where the pace is manageable, the environment is supportive, and the learning is tailored to each group. Children are encouraged to improve, but in a way that doesn’t feel like more schoolwork.
What a Lesson Looks Like
Each session includes discussion, games, and time to write. We might start with a fun story starter, act out a scene, or describe sounds and smells from an imaginary setting. The focus is on enjoyment, but along the way, children learn to edit their work, share ideas, and expand their vocabulary.
Here’s what one parent said:
“Ryan has been a brilliant tutor for my 11-year-old son. His lessons are fun and interactive. Before working with Ryan, he didn’t like writing. Now he enjoys writing stories, and I enjoy reading them!”
Rooted in Hurstpierpoint
These small group sessions are £25 an hour and held right here in Hurstpierpoint at HurstWorks coworking space. Whether your child is bursting with ideas or finds writing a challenge, they’ll be welcomed into our friendly, supportive group.
Many parents I speak to in the village are looking for something a little different—something beyond worksheets and test prep. If that resonates with you, I’d love to discuss how these sessions could help your child thrive.
Contact: 01273 978438 or email info@hurstworks.co.uk
Website: https://www.ryan-the-tutor.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanTheEnglishTutor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rcannell
About Ryan…in his own words
Somewhere between my English Literature & Education degree and helping a class invent a superhero made of custard, I realised my true passion: inspiring children to discover their story-writing bug! 🐛
Over the past eight years as a teaching assistant and tutor, I’ve had the joy of tutoring nearly 50 brilliant children in Mid Sussex and I’m proud to say that many of them have returned for a second, third—or even fourth—year! I’ve also trained with the Bristol Dyslexia Centre and I can’t wait to share some brilliant new writing tips & tools with you!
I’m also a big music and poetry fan
I present a music radio show on Mid Sussex Radio! I also love performing my poems with my poetry club at The Star in Steyning. If you fancy, you can read some of my poems here.
I teach older people IT skills too!
In my spare time, I also teach computer skills to older people around Upper Beeding, and soon also Hurstpierpoint – it’s so great to see them gaining new confidence!
