School life articles
What's the difference between bugging and bullying?
How can we help our children navigate social conflicts and understand when normal disagreements cross the line into bullying? Matt Revill, primary headteacher, explains how schools and parents can work together to support children through these tricky moments.
Back to school behaviour: What teachers see after summer
As the new school year kicks off, teachers often notice changes in children's behaviour after a long summer break. Headteacher Matt Revill uncovers the common challenges kids face, how teachers manage them, and simple ways parents can help ease the transition back into the classroom.
What's new this school year? Parents' guide to changes
September has arrived and primary schools across the UK are gearing up for several significant changes. Headteacher and writer Matt Revill breaks down what to expect from your child's primary school in this new academic year.
Pawsitive changes: Animals transforming schools
Primary school headteacher, Matt Revill, explores the transformative impact of animals in educational settings, addressing key questions such as how dogs assist children in reading, the inspirational value of farm visits and the benefits children derive from therapy pets.
Transition time: what Year 6 parents need to know
In this week's School Savvy blog, primary headteacher Matt Revill explains how Year 6 children gear up for the big leap to secondary school. From tackling anxieties to celebrating primary school memories, find out how schools try to make this transition smooth and exciting for your child.
Thank a Teacher Day: Head's most memorable gifts
In this week's School Savvy blog, headteacher Matt Revill reveals the most memorable and bizarre presents he and his colleagues have received on Thank a Teacher Day, with some tips on how to show your appreciation this year.
Election 2024 buzz: changes for primary schools
A General Election has just been announced for July 2024, and it will have a ripple effect on all aspects of society. But what do parents need to know about the impact on their child's education? Matt Revill, primary school head, offers his insights and opinions, breaking down the possible changes heading our way.
Concerning trend: schools cutting teaching assistants
Teaching assistants play a crucial role in primary schools, providing essential support to both students and teachers. However, recent cuts in TA numbers threaten the quality of education. Matt Revill, primary school teacher, explains in this week's blog why TAs are indispensable and what we can do to ensure they remain a vital part of our classrooms.
Is your child's school going ahead with KS1 SATs?
For the first time ever, KS1 SATs for Year 2 children are now optional. However, despite this change, numerous schools have decided to continue with them. What does this mean for your child's education? Matt Revill, a seasoned primary headteacher, dives into the latest updates in this week's School Savvy blog.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is your child left-handed (and does it matter)?
With 90% of the world made up of right-handers, how does being left-handed affect learning at school? Hetty Walton, mum to left-handed daughter Isobel, 11, investigates.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The parents’ guide to benefits for families with primary school children
Do you know what financial support you’re eligible for when your child is school age? We take a look at what you might be entitled to.
Free school meals, free school transport and school uniform grants explained
Find out what help is available with the cost of school meals, home to school transport, and school uniform.
Childcare benefits explained for parents of preschool and primary school children
The government provides benefits that can help with the cost of childcare, including breakfast and after-school clubs. We explain what you might be able to claim.
Child Tax Credit explained for parents of primary school children
Child Tax Credit is gradually being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit, but if you're already claiming it, you can continue to do so for the next few years. We asked the experts at Turn2Us to explain what you might receive.
Universal Credit explained for parents of primary school children
Universal Credit is gradually replacing six existing benefits. We asked the experts at Turn2Us, the charity that helps people in financial need gain access to welfare benefits, for their advice on what you might be able to claim.
Child Benefit explained for parents of primary school children
Child Benefit can help significantly with the cost of raising a child. Here's what you need to know about what it is, who is eligible, and how much it's worth.
What are inset days?
Inset days are far from a day off for school staff. We asked the experts to explain what happens on these important training days.
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.
How to structure your day during homeschooling
Teacher Jennifer Smith shares her advice on how to help your child learn and structure your day when your child is temporarily out of school and learning from home.
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.
Parental donations to school funds: what the law says
With increasing numbers of parents being asked to dip into their pockets to make up for UK school budget cuts, we take a look at what’s allowed, and what’s not.
Understanding primary school league tables
We explain how performance measures are used to rank primary schools in England.
10 ways to be more active on the school run
Could you pledge to leave the car at home and turn the school run into an opportunity to get some exercise?
17 things you know if you're part of a school WhatsApp group
WhatsApp groups are a great way to keep abreast of what's happening at your child's school, but they don't half do your head in at times. How many of these truths do you recognise?
What is Circle Time?
Circle Time is used in many primary schools, but what actually happens in these sessions? We've got the parents' guide.
Discipline in primary schools: restorative practices
More and more schools are adopting a behaviour model that encourages kids to take responsibility for their actions. So how do restorative practices work?
How to help a shy child
School can be a testing place for socially anxious children. We take a look at how to help boost your child's confidence.
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.