Year 1 articles
How to create a good homework/life balance
School and homework can take up a large portion of every day. In addition, more hours are dedicated to extra-curricular classes after school and at weekends. As much as many children love learning, they need down time too. Camilla Chafer investigates how you can strike a balance.
How to help your child with their homework
Homework is the bane of many parents’ lives. Whether it’s getting your child to sit down and get on with it or knowing how to help them, Camilla Chafer finds out how to get good homework habits in place.
Why a homework club could work for your child
Is getting homework done a constant struggle? An after-school homework club could be the solution, says Moira Holden
What to do if your child is excluded from school
Exclusion can be a very distressing experience for all involved and disrupts a child's education. Gerry German, Director of the Communities Empowerment Network, offers some advice on what to do.
Truancy: why it’s risky for parents and children
Although you may not realise it, truancy can not only affect your child's attitude towards school and their ability to learn, it can also affect you as a parent. Read on to find out why.
What to do when your child hates school
Frequent sick-days and a general reluctance to go in are signs that your child is not enjoying their school experience. Follow this expert advice on how to address and resolve these issues.
How to become a school governor
School governors work with head teachers to decide policies, oversee management and create a general ethos for the school. We take a look at who can become a school governor and what role they play in the community.
The benefits of joining a PTA
Why should a parent join the PTA? National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations (NCPTA) communications manager Laura Warren explains.
What are home-school agreements?
Your guide to how home-school agreements work and how they can improve communication between schools and parents.
Making sense of the SEN Code of Practice
Your guide to some of the key procedures and recommended actions in the SEN Code of Practice. Plus find tips on supporting your child.
Home education: what could it offer your child?
Why do parents choose home education for their children and what are the benefits of this type of education? Find out here.
Back to school tips
When those blissful weeks of the summer holidays are drawing to a close, here’s what you can do to help your child get back in gear for school.
School trips - what to expect
Your guide to why school trips are organised and how you can prepare your child to make the most of learning outside the classroom.
Great gift ideas for teachers
Chocolates or smellies are typically the gifts of choice but if you fancying giving something more original try one of these ideas.
7 ways to get the best out of parents' evening
Does your mind go blank as soon as you sit down with your child’s teacher? Lucy Dimbylow offers expert tips on making the most of parents’ evening.
8 questions you must ask your child's teacher
No one understands your child's academic development better than their teacher. Lucy Dimbylow explains how to get the best out of parent-teacher meetings by asking these eight questions.
Teachers' best and worst gifts ever
Yes, it’s the thought that counts, but what would teachers really like as a thank-you gift at the end of term? Lucy Dimbylow asked them to reveal their favourite ever presents – and the ones they could have lived without
Why music is important in the national curriculum
Music helps children learn across subjects and can help to build social and cultural values, too. Find out more about why it’s so important for your child.
National curriculum drama: the lowdown
Most children are natural actors and drama helps to unleash their creativity and build up their confidence. Find out what your child will be learning in class and how you can develop their flair for the theatrical at home.
National curriculum art – what they learn
Help to spark your child's artistic streak with these useful tips.
Learning literacy at home
The everyday world provides a wealth of learning opportunities to get your child using their literacy skills outside school. Try these top tips to get your child writing and reading at home.
National curriculum PSHE explained
PSHE stands for Personal, Social, Health and Economic education. It is an important part of your child's national curriculum learning. So what does it cover and how can you support your child at home?
What is primary SEAL?
SEAL promotes social and emotional literacy in children and equips them with the skills they need to lead a healthy, happy life. We explore the different aspects and how you can get involved.
National curriculum geography – is it a dying subject?
Geography should be one of the most exciting parts of the school timetable, so why do so many children find it boring? Melissa Murphy unearths ways to put geography back on the map
Alternative education: what are the benefits?
We take a look at alternative schools and what they have to offer your child.
How to spot your child's hidden gifts
Author Bernadette Tynan reveals some of the different types of gifts and talents your child might have, and how to nurture them.
How to extend a highly able child, subject by subject
Our guide to supporting your gifted child’s learning at home, from literacy and maths to history and languages.
How to support an underachieving child
There are lots of ways to help an underachieving child. Find expert advice and tips on how to encourage them to develop in their weak areas here.
How to prevent your child from falling behind
All parents know the anxiety that accompanies a child’s progress through school but few realise just how significant they can be in helping, writes teacher Mike Walton. Here’s his step-by-step guide to supporting a struggling child.
Children's learning: How hard should you push your child?
Do you worry about getting the balance right between your children's learning and play? Read on for our advice.