Communicating with school articles
How being bilingual affects your child’s education
One in five primary school children speaks a language other than English at home. We find out how this affects their learning, and what schools (and parents!) can do to help.
Supporting your child at primary school if English isn’t your first language
Many parents find helping with school work challenging, and it can be even harder if you're not a native English speaker. So how can you help your child to do their best?
5 great reasons to become a school governor
Want to directly influence your child's school experience? Jackie Cutchey explains why becoming a parent governor benefits you, your child and their school.
Managing separation and divorce at school
Separation isn’t just a family affair – the consequences need to be managed at school, too. Moira Holden explains the legalities involved and experts give advice on how to deal with your child’s education as a separated family.
Managing asthma in primary school
Managing asthma at school can be a challenge, but new legislation will ensure that children with long-term health needs receive extra support. Jo Willacy reports.
Dealing with anaphylaxis in schools
If your child suffers from a severe food allergy, sending them to school every day can be a daily battle of trust. Jo Willacy takes a look at policy, action plans and training for parents and school staff to help tackle allergy management concerns.
Managing diabetes at school
If your child has diabetes, which is a condition when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, you want to know that they’ll be as healthy and safe as possible at school. We share tips about drawing up a care plan, communicating effectively with school and raising awareness of diabetes with teachers and carers.
School exclusions: everything primary-school parents need to know
Parents faced with their child being excluded from school are often very upset and confused. Moira Holden looks at the regulations that surround the exclusion process.
How to work with your child’s SENCO
Having a healthy working relationship with your child’s SENCO can help ensure they get the support they need. Here’s how to ensure you make a good team. By Lucy Dimbylow
How a SENCO could help your child
If your child has a special educational need, the school’s SENCO is likely to play a big part in his day-to-day life and learning. Lucy Dimbylow highlights nine ways in which she can help make your child’s school journey easier.
7 common school life problems solved
Every parent wants their child to be happy at school, but what if there’s a problem? Here’s our step-by-step guide to tackling and resolving some of the common issues that might crop up in primary school.
Holidays in term time: the parents’ guide
Once your child is at full-time school, cheap term-time holidays become a thing of the past. But who sets school term dates, and is taking your child out of school for a family break really a big no-no? TheSchoolRun explains.
17 things you don't want to find in your child's bookbag
Buying your child’s first bookbag and seeing them carrying it proudly when they start school is a special moment. And it can be wonderful when they use it to bring home great ‘masterpieces’ that they have produced in the classroom. But before you know it, the bag has got covered in mud, drink stains and felt tip, the Velcro has stopped sticking, and holes have appeared in the corners. And you soon start to dread what you might discover when you open it... Rachael Newman-Sanders peeks inside.
You know you’re a primary school parent when…
Having a child at primary school grants you access to an exclusive club. Here’s what the members all have in common, says Lucy Dimbylow.
School admissions appeals panel hearings: a step-by-step guide
After you’ve sent in your appeals form to try to reverse a school’s decision and admit your child, you’ll be able to present your case in front of a panel. Read on to find out what happens in appeals panel hearings, and how to gather all the essential details you need.
School admissions appeals forms: a step-by-step guide
If you’ve just found out that your child hasn’t got a place in the school they wanted, the good news is that you can appeal the decision. Read our comprehensive guide on how to write a good appeals form and what information you need to include.
The parents’ guide to school trips
It feels like five minutes ago that you were peeling a tearful child off your leg at the school gates; now it’s your turn to weep at the thought of them going on a residential trip! We answer your questions – and ease your worries – about residential visits. By Lucy Dimbylow
School reports decoded
It’s the end of term and that means one thing – school report time. But what exactly do those cryptic comments in your child’s report mean? Jessica Powell gets teachers to explain.
Parent teacher meeting tips from real parents
Whether you’re preparing for your first meeting, or want to improve on past experience, these top tips will help you know what to get out of your time with your child’s teacher.
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.
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.
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.