School life articles
17 things that make every primary school parent see red
Never underestimate the wrath of a parent whose child has just stepped in dog poo on the school run...
Creativity in primary science: to infinity and beyond
Is your child fascinated by the world around them, from the earth to the stars? Do they blast off from the kitchen table and explore Mars in a den made from sofa cushions? Bryony Turford, primary teacher and director of STEAM Education for the Astro Science Challenge, shares her tips for making science come alive and encouraging children to explore science-based subjects away from the classroom.
Hands-on maths: how it could help your child
Counting on fingers is an important maths tool in the early years of primary school, but is it something your child should outgrow? We look at the pros and cons of hands-on maths strategies.
What is a pen licence?
Earning a pen licence is a proud moment for many primary-school children, but what does your child need to do to achieve this milestone?
School starting age and deferred entry explained for parents
When does your child legally have to start their education, and what happens if you don't think they’re ready? We explain the rules around your child’s first day at primary school in England.
What is a faith school?
They’re some of the best-performing schools in the UK, but faith schools have many opponents. We take a look at the faith school system and how it works.
What is a teaching assistant?
Far from being just an extra person to buy an end-of-term gift for, teaching assistants (TAs) can play an important part in your child’s learning. We explain what their role involves and how they'll help in the classroom.
What is a maintained school?
The vast majority of primary schools in England are maintained schools, but what does it actually mean if your child goes to one of these schools?
Pre-teens and homework: how to survive
Struggling to get your KS2 child to focus on their homework? We reveal the strategies that could take the stress out of homework time.
What is an NQT?
All Newly Qualified Teachers have to do on-the-job training to be able to teach in state schools, but what does it actually mean for your child to be taught by an NQT?
Primary school assessment in Scotland explained
The Scottish National Standardised Assessments are online standardised assessments in literacy and numeracy completed by children in Scotland in P1, P4, P7 and S3. We explain what parents need to know about the SNSAs.
6 of the best ways to get off to a great start at secondary school
Your "baby" is starting Year 7 – but are you ready to be a secondary-school parent? We asked Parentkind’s Policy & Communications Director and mum of two Michelle Doyle Wildman to share her "big school" parent experiences and tips.
Beat your first day of school nerves
You've prepared your child for their first day at school, but how will YOU hold it together at the school gates? We've rounded up the best advice on how to cope with this emotional milestone.
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 are selective and super-selective schools?
Places at selective and super-selective schools are highly sought after, with many applicants for every place – but what's the difference between these types of school, and how does the application process work?
Starting school: what Year 6 parents think you should know
What tips would experienced Year 6 parents pass on to families whose children are just about to start Reception? Lucy Dimbylow asked seasoned mums for their pearls of wisdom on surviving – and enjoying! – the primary-school journey.
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.
9 secrets of stress-free school mornings
Do you ever feel like a stuck record, shouting instructions at your child in an attempt to leave the house on time? We reveal the tactics that could transform your morning routine.
The beginner's guide to 11+ maths
If your child is taking the 11+, their maths skills will be tested as part of the assessment process. We explain what the maths task involves.
The beginner's guide to the 11+ English task
An English task is a key part of the 11+ exam in many areas, but what does the test actually involve?
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.
What is the 12+/13+ late transfer test?
If your heart is set on a grammar school place for your child but they didn't pass the 11+ you could consider late transfer test. We explain the process for entry at 12+ or 13+.
7+ entrance exams explained
If you’re considering an independent prep school for your child, it’s important to know what to expect from the entry procedure. We explain the facts about the 7+.
Making friends and play for SEN kids: parents' tips
Making friends and learning how to play are an important part of growing up, but it can be hard for children with special educational needs to learn crucial social skills such as how to share and interact, how to take turns and how to negotiate with others. Help your child find kindred spirits with practical friendship tips from parents from the disability charity Scope’s online community.
Museums reviewed by parents: Old Operating Theatre, London
Found – the perfect London museum for older kids looking for something beyond the much-loved but well-worn round of Science and Natural History Museums. A dip into the history of all things surgical, the Old Operating Theatre Museum is a hidden scientific gem in a historic corner of the capital which will keep inquisitive minds entertained for hours.
17 things you need to know about primary school fêtes
The primary school summer fete: the culmination of months of planning, and a brilliant fundraiser for your child's school. But before you head out to your child's annual school fayre, forewarn yourself with these universal truths...
Essential first aid skills for your primary school child
Learning a few basic skills could help your child make a real difference in an emergency. St John Ambulance offers some advice on the first aid techniques that could turn them into a lifesaver.
Museums reviewed by parents: Dover Castle
Travel back in time to meet medieval monarchs, wander through winding, eerie 13th century underground defences and explore the Secret Wartime Tunnels deep within Dover’s White Cliffs. A trip to Dover Castle offers an action-packed day out for the whole family and our parents-and-children testers loved every minute.
How to succeed in the Kent 11+
Kent has more grammar schools than any other area, so how can you give your child the best chances of gaining a place?
Top tips for the Medway 11+
What are the secrets of success in the Medway grammar schools’ entrance test? We asked tutor Anita Clemens for her insider advice.
Early maths skills: how your child learns about number
Counting may seem as easy as one-two-three to us, but it’s a tricky skill for your child to learn. We explain the stages of getting to grips with number in Reception and Year 1.
Museums reviewed by parents: Arundel Castle
Pretend to be a knight for the day at one of Britain’s most historic castles. Arundel Castle boasts fairytale towers and rooms full of suits of armour, all set in acres of beautiful grounds and gardens with sweeping views over the stunning South Downs. Perfect for keeping curious kids busy exploring all day!
Museums reviewed by parents: National Maritime Museum
The world's largest maritime museum is packed to the gunwales with intriguing objects, fascinating galleries and hands-on exploration opportunities for children and families. Head to Royal Greenwich to find out more about seas, ships and sailing.
Museums reviewed by parents: Cutty Sark
Climb aboard the world's sole-surviving tea clipper for a voyage across the seas of time, experiencing the life of the 19th century crew. Our family testers loved all the hands-on experiences on offer on board, from interactive apps for your phone to swabbing the decks with miniature mops.
Museums reviewed by parents: Thackray Medical Museum
Explore past (and future!) medical treatments and procedures, get a glimpse of life in Victorian England, get hands-on with oversized body parts and find out how humans work, all at the Thackray Medical Museum in Leeds. Our family testers share the highlights for parents and children.
Museums reviewed by parents: Warwick Castle
Take a trip back through the last eleven centuries to Warwick Castle, the site of a Saxon fortification, a wooden motte and bailey constructed in 1068 and a medieval stone castle. Restored and managed by the Merlin Entertainments group, the Castle uses multimedia experiences and costumed guides to bring history to life for visitors of all ages.
Museums reviewed by parents: Titanic Belfast
Titanic Belfast uses special effects, rides, reconstructions and interactive features to explore the Titanic story. We find out what the world's largest Titanic visitor attraction has to offer children and families.
Museums reviewed by parents: W5, Belfast
Planning a family day out? Our favourite museums make learning effortless and fun (for adults as well as children). For hands-on science for all ages head to the action-packed W5 in Belfast, one of the top family attractions in Northern Ireland where you are invited to touch, feel, smell and press everything in sight!
What is the equal preference system?
How do schools take your rankings into account when you apply for a place? We explain how equal preference works.
What is a grammar school?
What could a grammar school offer your child, and how does the application process work? We explain in our grammar school guide for primary-school parents.