As this learner's comments demonstrate, learners with mental health difficulties need to feel that tutors are able to work effectively with them:

'I think . . .it's important to have . . . the right people to deal with us. We have our ups and downs; we have good days; we have bad days. I think, so long as we have somebody who fully understands . . . they know how to deal with us.' (Anna, learner)

Evaluation is an important part of the teaching and learning process and you need to consider your effectiveness as a basic skills tutor on a regular basis. As a basic skills tutor working with people with mental health difficulties, you will encounter specific issues relating to:

• learning needs
• the most appropriate methods for evaluating your effectiveness.