Eyfs articles
35 questions to ask your child instead of 'How was your day?'
If finding out about your child's day at school is mission: impossible, try these alternative conversation starters.
21 things your child’s Reception teacher wants you to know
Your child isn’t the only one who has a lot to learn in their first year of school. Here’s what their teacher wishes you’d do – and not do.
7 ways to mark your child's first day at school
Your child's very first day at school is one to remember, so we've rounded up the best ways to mark the occasion.
6 ways to introduce your child to classical music
Open up a world of amazing music for your child by introducing them to classical music composers and performances. With loads of resources available for free online, there's no better time to dive in and start listening.
Best history books for children
Travel back in time to visit a Roman bath-house, explore the Persian empire, find your way through an Elizabethan maze and witness the fall of the Berlin Wall – the whole of human history is brought to life for children in our pick of the best kids' books about world and British history.
How to future-proof your child's learning
Is your primary-school child getting the education they'll need to thrive in the 21st century? Jill Hodges, CEO and Founder of Fire Tech technology classes and camps for kids, describes the five skills young people will need, at work and in life, to make the most of our technological society's opportunities.
101 fantastic activities for the summer 2023 school holidays
See the world through an insect’s eyes, take a trip through your own digestive system (yes, really!), or come face-to-face with Robin Hood and his merry men – we've got a whole host of summer adventures for you to enjoy with these 101 amazing and educational activities from across the UK!
16 of the best books for children for summer 2017
There's no better way to while away the long summer holidays than getting lost in a book. From beautiful picture books to pore over to thrilling adventures and historical tales to savour, we pick some of the best new kids' books for summer 2017.
Best creative writing books for kids
Does your child love writing stories but feel daunted by the blank page? Get them started with creative writing and boost their confidence with a "workbook" packed with story starters, technique tips, example passages and more. Whether they're planning an epic comic strip series, a poetry collection, a ghost story or a fairy tale, these write-your-own-story guides will help them put pen to paper.
19 questions to ask at the Reception starters’ meeting
The Reception starters' meeting is your chance to ask your burning questions about what happens when your child starts school. Our ideas will help you find out everything you need to know.
Museums reviewed by parents: Centre of the Cell London
If you love London’s fabulous Science Museum but feel your family has done it inside and out, Centre of the Cell, a cutting-edge tech centre in East London, is perfect for expanding your horizons. There’s hands-on fun to bring out the budding doctors, nurses, lab technicians and pathologists in all ages!
Best girl-empowering books for kids
Introduce the whole family to the achievements of female scientists, explorers, artists, physicians, writers and more in our round-up of the best girl-empowering books for kids. From KS1 picture books and tales to inspiring grown-up "bedtime stories", we love these girl-power celebrations of outstanding people.
Kids' historical costumes to buy
Planning ahead for Victorian day at school? Looking for an easy evacuee costume or a Roman centurion outfit? Need to find a dressing-up solution for your eager Viking warrior, Anglo-Saxon scholar or Georgian lady? From Stone Age to suffragettes and Sixties fashion, we've picked a selection of the best historical costumes to buy for kids.
Catching up at school after a long absence
From making up missed work to fitting back in with friends, how can children reintegrate at school after weeks away?
Keeping up at school during a long-term absence
Falling behind at school can be an extra thing to worry about if your child is on extended sick leave, but there are ways to help them stay up to date.
Best maths board games for children
Looking for an engaging way to practise maths concepts and skills? Try a mathematical board game! Whether your child is learning about times tables or place value, addition or square roots, there's a family-friendly board game to try. Get ready to roll the dice...
Museums reviewed by parents: National Museum of Scotland
Discover the secrets of Scottish history all the way from the Big Bang to Sir Chris Hoy, see a T-Rex up close and meet the world-famous Dolly the Sheep – all at Edinburgh's National Museum of Scotland.
School waiting lists explained
Missed out on a place at the school of your choice? Joining the waiting list could keep the door open for your child.
Best geography books for children
From natural landscapes to human habitats and cultures, each of these books about our world introduces kids to the diversity, complexity and beauty of the Earth. Inspire future travellers and explorers with our pick of the best kids' books about geography.
What are hardware, software and Operating Systems?
Hardware (the physical parts of a computer), software (the programs that can be run on a computer) and the Operating System that allows software and hardware to communicate: TheSchoolRun's Billy Rebecchi explains what your child learns in KS1 and KS2 computing and how you can develop their understanding at home.
Best spelling board games for children
Turn the weekly spelling test preparation from chore into challenge with our pick of the best spelling board games for children and families. From brand-new readers and writers to spelling bee champions, there's plenty for even the most competent speller to enjoy!
What is an algorithm?
Algorithms are a set of instructions to complete a task. We explain everything primary-school parents need to understand about algorithms, how they are used to write computer programs and how children will be introduced to them in the KS1 and KS2 classroom. By Billy Rebecchi
The National Funding Formula for schools explained
New plans to change how school budgets are allocated could see some schools gain, but others suffer. We explain the National Funding Formula in a guide for parents.
What is a special school?
If your child has special educational needs, a mainstream education may not be right for them. We take a look at how special schools could help.
18 must-have costume-making supplies for World Book Day and beyond
Never again will you be caught out by a last-minute outfit request from your primary school child with these craft basics. Stock up today!
What is a breakfast club?
Providing a decent meal to start the day – and a reliable childcare solution – breakfast clubs are now available in most schools. We take a look at how your child could benefit from going along.
What is the concrete pictorial abstract approach in maths?
Concrete > pictorial > abstract (CPA) is a key feature of the Singapore maths mastery method now being taught in many primary schools. Mastery expert Kate Moore from Maths – No Problem! explains what's involved.
What is Standard English?
Standard English is accepted as the "correct" form of English, used in formal speaking or writing. In primary school children are expected to learn to write according to the rules of Standard English.
Museums reviewed by parents: Winchester Science Centre
Hands-on science at its best, Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium offers an experiment-packed day out for the whole family. We review what's on offer for pint-sized scientists and their accompanying grown-ups.
8 great reasons for your child to keep a diary
Writing a diary is more than just a way for your child to record their daily life: it can have impressive educational benefits, too.
5 reasons kids hate maths – and what you can do about it
Does your child dread their maths lessons and end up in tears over homework? We take a look at what’s going wrong, and how you can help.
Taking your child on a learning adventure
Ever been tempted to take your child out of school and go travelling with them? We take a look at how to make it work.
Teaching children tolerance
With over a third of young people having witnessed hate speak online, how can we tackle intolerance by raising the next generation of open-minded and accepting kids?
How a school nurse could help your child
School nurses play a vital role in linking the two important areas of education and health. We explain what their role involves and when you might need to see one.
Museums reviewed by parents: Science Museum London
Contemplate the awe-inspiring complexity of life and human scientific achievement at London's Science Museum, one of the world's leading attractions. There's something for the whole family to enjoy, from toddlers to teens, and the addition of the new Wonderlab permanent gallery for kids makes it a must-visit destination. On your marks, get set... wonder!
16 of the best new books for children for Christmas 2016
Guarantee that plenty of reading will be done over the Christmas break by investing in a pile of books for your child to find under the tree. Whatever their interests or reading ability, our pick of the best new reads on offer this Christmas includes best-sellers, classic stories reimagined for the twenty-first century, non-fiction treasures to pore over and laugh-out-loud funny reads. Enjoy!
Welsh language teaching in Wales
The Welsh language is an important part of the curriculum in Wales, but what do children learn and how is it balanced with their learning of English?
Museums reviewed by parents: Howletts Wild Animal Park
Watch lemurs leaping over your head, come face-to-face with a family of gorillas or even have a quick clamber through the treetops – there's a world full of animal magic to discover at Howletts Wildlife Park in Kent for parents and primary-school children alike.
What is a Montessori school?
It’s a term typically associated with nurseries, but many primary-school children benefit from a Montessori education, too. We explain what’s involved.
What is selective mutism?
Around one in every 140 children suffers from this debilitating anxiety disorder. We explain the symptoms, causes and treatment.