Make sure your child really needs extra tuition, and not just extra hours at the books, says John White of the ASTI.

"If your child has missed out on schooltime due to illness then there may be a justification for grinds. If not, they can actually be counterproductive. Homework and study time is eroded. Students can be confused by two sets of notes on the same subject," he says.

Concentrate on study technique. "The problem is that students are not taught how to study, to retain and to analyse information," says Laurie Harney of the Catholic Secondary Parents' Association. If you're really dedicated read educational theorists Edward de Bono and Tony Buzan for some study tips

Encourage the study of exam papers. "The value of grinds comes in their focus on exam technique. The most successful tutors are examiners who know how marks are apportioned and how to maximise them," says Mairead Lavery, author of a recent grinds survey in the Farmers Journal. (Exam papers and marking schemes are available on the Department of Education and Science website - www.education.ie)

Beware honours maths. This is the cache subject that students are hanging onto for dear life - and at any cost.

Do It Yourself - if you can. One leading medical professional described his attempts to tutor his son in biology; "The course was too long, bore no relation to the practice of biological science and every grind session ended in a fight."

Talk to the teacher. Parents are wary of raising this subject with teachers because it seems like an impertinence. "Most teachers want the best for their pupils and are happy to discuss the need for extra help," according to John White.

Get a handle on things. The Department of Education website is full of syllabus summaries, guidelines for teachers and resources. Get the background on the subject that's causing your child difficulty and you'll be in a better position to discuss the problem with him or her. (www.education.ie)