Communicating with school 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.
Co-parenting a primary school child after separation
If you’re trying to overcome the hurdle of co-parenting a primary school child after parental separation then you’re not alone. Should you inform the school of changes at home? What should you do about childcare, school trips, and parents’ evening? Get top tips from experts and seasoned co-parents about the ups and downs of parenting after separation or divorce.
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?
'Alternative provision has helped my daughter's social skills and confidence'
Being educated outside school in alternative provision can help children who struggle with mainstream schooling. One mum shares her story.
What is alternative provision?
Children who have difficulties with school may fare better in alternative provision. We take a look at what you might expect if your child is moved to an alternative education setting.
Helping your child get back into a school mindset
After time out of school, your child’s learning habits may be rusty. Here’s how to iron out those back-to-school problems and help them settle back into a learning mindset.
Teaching primary school children about racism
A worrying number of children have heard racist language at school. Here's how schools talk to children about racism, and how you can back them up with anti-racism discussions at home.
Learning about LGBT issues in primary schools
How might your primary school child learn about LGBT relationships at school? We take a look at what to expect and how to support their learning.
Safeguarding in primary schools explained
What do schools have to do to keep children safe from abuse and neglect? What should you do if you suspect a child is at risk? And what will happen if your child is referred to social services? We answer your questions about safeguarding primary school children.
What is a social story?
Social stories can help children with special needs understand situations that might crop up at school or at home. Primary school SEN Inclusion Lead Julie Steele explains how they work.
57 school uniform tips from parents, for parents
From buying the right kit to stopping it getting lost (perhaps!), we asked parents on social media for their advice on choosing, organising and labelling school uniform.
Keeping up the momentum with home learning
Struggling to keep your child on track with their home learning? Try these techniques for giving their motivation a boost.
Best literacy resources
Whether your child is just learning to read and print letters or looking for ways to put their creative writing skills to the test, we've rounded up some fantastic resources to help them practise phonics, grammar, story-writing and comic-creating at home. Plus there are loads of different ways to connect with authors and listen to stories.
Assemblies and collective worship in primary schools
Every school in England has to hold a daily act of collective worship, which usually takes place during assemblies. We explore what's involved – and what to do if you object.
School fundraising tips for parents
Practical advice for parents about grants, fundraising events and projects that can help raise money for primary and secondary schools in the UK.
Working at greater depth: what it means for your child
How do schools extend children who've mastered the basic curriculum concepts? We take a look at what happens if they're 'working at greater depth'.
Teachers’ tips for parents’ evening
How do teachers approach their own children’s parent consultations? What do they wish we would and wouldn’t do? We asked them to share their insider tips.
The parents' guide to school attendance
How many days per year is your child expected to be in school? What happens if they’re ill or you want to go on holiday? We explain the facts around school attendance.
Coping with speech and language difficulties in mainstream school
Louisa Reeves, Speech and Language Advisor with the children’s communication charity I CAN, shares her advice on helping a child with communication difficulties cope at school.
6 reasons children are excluded from school – and what you can do about it
Every year, thousands of pupils are excluded temporarily or permanently from primary schools. We look at the facts behind the figures.
Lockdown procedures in primary schools
With today’s world seeming increasingly unsafe, how are schools protecting our children?
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.
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.
The parents' guide to secondary school: discipline
All secondary schools must have clear policies for dealing with bad behaviour, and rewarding the good. We take a look at the various types of discipline and reward that may be used.
Settling your child into a new school
It’s natural for both you and your child to be nervous if they’re moving schools, so how can you make things go as smoothly as possible?
How to change your child's school
Not all children stay at the same primary school from Reception until Year 6. We look at the ins and outs of transferring your child to a new school.
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage profile?
It’s a key part of your Reception child’s end-of-year report, but what does the EYFS profile actually involve?
What is an Education Welfare Officer?
If there are concerns about your child’s school attendance, you might be referred to an Education Welfare Officer. We explain their role.
How to help out at your child's school
Helping out at your child’s school is a great way to find out what they’re getting up to. We explain how to get your foot in the door.
School social media policies explained
With cyber safety and online bullying becoming increasingly problematic, many schools are adopting social media policies. But what do these documents actually do?
The etiquette of charity days at school
Do you feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of fundraising events at your child’s school? We take a look at the unofficial rules.
Ofsted inspections explained for parents
Reading Ofsted reports is likely to be one of the first things you do when you’re choosing a school for your child, but what do the inspections actually involve?
What is PPA time?
All teachers are entitled to time out of the classroom to prepare and mark lessons. We explain how it works and how it affects your child.
What is a class rep?
Volunteering as class rep is a great way to help your child's school and get to know other parents. We explain what the role involves.
10 ways to boost an able child's confidence
Being academically gifted can put a strain on your child’s emotional wellbeing, so how can you spot if they’re struggling and build their self-esteem?
Individual healthcare plans explained for parents
Individual healthcare plans are designed to keep children with medical conditions safe, well and involved at school. We explain how these important documents work.
Making a complaint about your child’s school
Who should you approach if you’re unhappy with something that has happened at school, and what if they don’t take you seriously? We explain how to make an official complaint about your child’s school.
Should you take your child to parents’ evening?
Does bringing your child to a parent-teacher meeting give them valuable input or get in the way of frank conversation? We discuss the pros, cons and practicalities.
How to handle a disappointing parents' evening
No one likes to hear bad news at a parent-teacher meeting, but knowing how to respond could help your child turn the issue around. By Lucy Dimbylow.