Eyfs articles
Primary school appeals: insights from a head teacher
If your child hasn't secured a spot at their desired school, it's natural to feel concerned and have questions about the school admissions process. In this week's School Savvy blog, we put these questions to our experienced primary school headteacher, Matt Revill, who gives us his expert insight into the appeals process.
Is pupil behaviour getting worse in UK primary schools?
Teachers in England say the behaviour of pupils in their classroom is getting worse. First News, the UK’s leading source of news for children, digs deeper to uncover this story in detail.
Class photos excluding SEND children
School picture day – it used to be about crisp uniforms, forced grins and quick comb-throughs. But a recent news story has highlighted a rarely addressed issue: the importance of inclusion for children with complex needs. Primary school head teacher, Matt Revill, delves into this timely topic in our School Savvy blog.
Budget breakdown: positive news for SEN children
In this week's School Savvy blog, Matthew Revill, a seasoned educator and headteacher at a primary school, offers his insights into the implications of the Spring Budget for both our classrooms and homes.
How to protect your family from back-to-school bugs
After a break from school it's common for children pick up various sickness bugs soon after they return. Dr. Rebecca Rohrer, Medical Director at Bupa UK, provides crucial insights to assist in maintaining your family's health and preventing sickness.
Teacher concerns: nearly half of school starters not ready
Matt Revill, experienced educator and primary-school headteacher, unravels recent findings about school starters and how new pupils struggle with basic skills to help them function in the classroom. In this week’s blog, he attempts to bridge the gap between what parents think and what teachers experience.
School parking rows: could you be fined?
Parking chaos during the daily school drop-off at primary schools has become increasingly problematic. Some schools are resorting to issuing fines and warnings, while nearby residents are voicing their grievances to the media. Matt Revill, experienced educator and headteacher, covers the issue in this week's School Savvy blog.
Parents' guide to Phase 6 phonics
Different primary schools use different ways to teach children about sounds and letters, called phonics. But most kids in early years and Key Stage 1 follow a set of steps, or phases, to learn phonics. In Phase 6, they deepen their phonics knowledge and use their skills to help them read and spell. Here, we'll explain what Phase 6 is all about and how you can help your child with it at home.
Should schools ban mobile phones?
New guidance for banning or limiting mobile phones in schools has caused a stir in the education world. But this idea isn't new, as suggestions for bans have popped up before. Matt Revill, a seasoned headteacher and educator in primary schools, offers his thoughts on the latest mobile phone guidance.
Ofsted halted: what parents must know
You might have seen a lot about Ofsted in the news lately. The school inspectorate is under the spotlight and it looks like changes could be on the horizon. In this week’s School Savvy blog, headteacher Matt Revill takes a look at what’s happening and explains what parents need to know.
Developing social-emotional skills for a happier, healthier child
Developing social-emotional skills is key to your child’s long-term mental health and social capabilities, but it’s sometimes treated as a less important area of education. We asked young persons’ counsellor and children’s book author, Hannah Peckham, to share her advice on how to support this key area of development at home.
Parents' guide to Phase 5 phonics
Various primary schools adopt different phonics schemes, which may have slightly different methods for teaching phonics. However, it's typical for children to follow a sequence of phonics phases during the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Here, we explain what is taught during Phase 5 phonics and how you can support your child's learning at home.
Parents' guide to Phase 4 phonics
Phonics is a teaching method used across many UK primary schools. Phonics programmes are often broken down into phases, and this can get a little confusing for parents. We explain what Phase 4 phonics involves and how you can help at home.
Parents' guide to Phase 3 phonics
Phonics is a common method used in primary schools to teach children how to read. It involves linking sounds to the letters or groups of letters that represent them. There are different phonics phases that gradually build a child’s knowledge and recognition of sounds so that they can read and write. Here, we explain what Phase 3 phonics are and how they are taught.
Parents' guide to Phase 2 phonics
Phonics is likely to play a significant role in your child's primary school journey. It helps many children develop the ability to read and spell accurately, often achieved by the end of their second year. Here, we explain what is covered in Phase 2 phonics.
Parents' guide to Phase 1 phonics
Phonics is a teaching method used across many UK primary schools. Phonics programmes are often broken down into phases, and this can get a little confusing for parents. We explain what Phase 1 phonics involves and how you can help at home.
5 tips on inspiring your funny child to write jokes
Comedy is often an underrated learning tool. It can encourage your child to be creative, express their individuality and help them engage in reading, writing and performance. Encourage your child’s inner comedian with these tips from stand-up comedian, children’s author and comedy writer Steven Vinacour.
Classic costumes for a cheap & cheerful Halloween
Halloween is an exciting holiday for many children, but for parents and carers it can be a smidge stressful. Try keeping it simple this year with our editor's pick of Halloween costumes that are timeless (which means they could also be reused). Sometimes, going back to the basics can save you time, money and stress!
Grow a love of gardening with these tools for kids
Gardening isn't just for the grandparents; it's a hugely popular pastime for people of all ages! Gardening (and being outdoors) has so many benefits in terms of physical and emotional development, and learning about the world around us. You can use the tools below to get started and encourage a love of growing. Who knows? Maybe this will be a new family hobby!
24 fun toys for summer outdoor learning
It's well established that outdoor play is important for young learners and provides opportunities to develop physical, social, fine and gross motor skills. Our editor, Kate Morgan, has put together her top picks of outdoor toys. So get the kids outside, having fun and learning this summer. Let the games begin!
Tips and tricks for adding and subtracting numbers
Adding and subtracting numbers are the foundations of many mathematical operations and the ones that children will encounter first on their mathematical journey. Developing strong skills in these areas is crucial for primary-school children as it lays the groundwork for more complex maths concepts. In this article, we will explore a range of tips and tricks to help children excel in adding and subtracting numbers, broken down by year groups. Let's dive in!
What are fractions?
Fractions are a fundamental concept in primary maths, and they're all about sharing and dividing. Whether it's dividing a pizza into equal slices or sharing a bag of sweets between friends, fractions are a part of everyday life.
What are ordinary numbers?
Ordinary numbers, also known as counting numbers or natural numbers, are the foundation of mathematics. They're the numbers we use every day to count objects, tell the time, measure distances and much more.
What is a function machine?
Function machines are versatile tools in the teaching of mathematics, helping children understand and explore a wide range of mathematical concepts in a fun and engaging way. From basic operations in Key Stage 1 to more complex functions in Upper Key Stage 2, function machines can help play a crucial role in developing children's mathematical understanding and skills.
Best audiobooks for primary school kids
Audiobooks are a wonderful way to enjoy stories, especially for those who struggle with reading. With so many to choose from, we've rounded up some of our favourite audiobooks for primary-school kids, so that you have a good place to start!
Money saving tips for Christmas
As we all know, Christmas can be incredibly expensive. As much as you might look forward to it, you might also dread it a little too – and that’s a shame. We asked wellbeing author, award-winning blogger and children’s therapist Becky Goddard-Hill to help with advice on how to save money whilst making special Christmas memories.
Best SEN gifts: sensory needs
Finding the right gift that will bring joy and comfort can be a challenge, and it can feel like the world of children’s toys is lacking in the special educational needs (SEN) department. But the market is slowly changing, and sensory toys are becoming a popular choice for children of all neurological backgrounds.
How the daily learning programme works
Whether you're taking your child out of school for a period, setting out on your home education journey or simply looking for extra activities to boost your child's learning, here's why the daily learning programme could be the right fit for you...
5 ways to overcome empty nest syndrome
Empty nest syndrome is normally associated with teenagers leaving for university but what about when your young one starts full-time at primary school? Lauren Crosby Medlicott's youngest child is about to do just that, leaving her with an empty house six hours a day. She shares her plan for coping with this big change.
Best back-to-school buys
Get ready for the new school year with our selection of the best back-to-school buys that won't break the bank. From uniform to lunchboxes, tick off that back-to-school checklist and avoid any last-minute stress before September.
Developing a learning style before starting school
Most of us want to give our children every advantage when they start primary school — it’s only natural. Finding the best school, taking an interest in feedback from teachers and doing homework is all great, but the best thing you can do for your child is to help them develop the key characteristics of being an effective learner.
6 parent-friendly STEM activities
Supporting children to develop their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) skills is becoming increasingly important. It’s a necessary element in children’s education but can be intimidating for many parents who may not know where to begin or how to help with their child’s STEM learning.
Best rhyming books for children
Listening to repeated sounds, rhythms and rhymes offers children clear educational benefits and helps to make them into readers. Best of all, rhyming books are a pleasure to read out loud! Our pick of the best rhyming stories offers a brilliant selection of family favourites that you'll be reciting for years.
7 things you need to know about the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA)
In the first half-term of their Reception year, children take part in classroom-based assessment. We take a look at what’s involved.
Forest school fun for kids
Learn to read clouds and enjoy some splashy water games in the great outdoors with an extract from Forest School Wild Play by Jane Worroll and Peter Houghton.
What your child learns in Nursery science
Children have naturally enquiring minds, and the science-based activities they do in the Early Years will help develop that sense of curiosity.
What your child learns in Nursery maths
Times tables and long division may be a way off, but the basic numeracy skills your child begins to learn in Nursery will lay the foundations for the years ahead.
What your child learns in Nursery: English and literacy
From learning new vocabulary to mastering the correct pencil grip, here are the literacy skills your child will start to develop in Nursery.
What your child learns in their Nursery year
We explain what your child will learn in school Nursery and how you can help them develop new skills.
The parents’ guide to primary school reports
The time has come to open that all-important envelope, but what can you expect the report inside to say?