Support and information articles
24 fun toys for summer outdoor learning
It's well established that outdoor play is important for young learners and provides opportunities to develop physical, social, fine and gross motor skills. Our editor, Kate Morgan, has put together her top picks of outdoor toys. So get the kids outside, having fun and learning this summer. Let the games begin!
Tips and tricks for adding and subtracting numbers
Adding and subtracting numbers are the foundations of many mathematical operations and the ones that children will encounter first on their mathematical journey. Developing strong skills in these areas is crucial for primary-school children as it lays the groundwork for more complex maths concepts. In this article, we will explore a range of tips and tricks to help children excel in adding and subtracting numbers, broken down by year groups. Let's dive in!
7 ways to encourage your child’s entrepreneurial spirit
Encouraging your child’s entrepreneurial spirit can be a fantastic way to foster a strong sense of ambition, as well as confidence to achieve their career goals in the future.
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.
Best SEN gifts: sensory needs
Finding the right gift that will bring joy and comfort can be a challenge, and it can feel like the world of children’s toys is lacking in the special educational needs (SEN) department. But the market is slowly changing, and sensory toys are becoming a popular choice for children of all neurological backgrounds.
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...
What is unschooling?
Ever fancied ditching school and letting your child learn through following their interests? The unschooled approach to home education could be right for you.
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 kids' activity packs to download
Top up the resource bank and keep the kids busy at home with reading, puzzles, crafting, science and other screen-free activities. They're all available to download for free and you won't need any special equipment, so head off the "I'm bored!" moans and buy yourself a few moments of peace so you can get some of your own work done!
9 tips for helping your child learn online
As children’s learning becomes increasingly internet-based, we ask the experts for their advice on primary school online learning.
50 of the best virtual trips and educational experiences for families
In this day and age, we may be spending more time indoors but thanks to our laptops and devices we can let the world come to us instead – take a trip round Frida Kahlo’s kitchen, share some chocolate cake with Michael Rosen and journey to the International Space Station with our pick of 50 of the best virtual trips and educational experiences. By Hetty Walton
How to create your child’s ‘classroom at home’
Top tips for setting up a home learning space that’ll help your child focus on their homework.
10 home learning strategies from an experienced home educator
Whether you're supporting your child's learning outside of school hours or electively home educating your child, seasoned home educator and work-from-home mum Hazel Davis has top tips to making it work.
10 home education ideas that hardly cost a penny
Keep your child entertained with these brilliant budget-friendly learning activities.
Home education on a budget
Home education doesn't have to be an expensive commitment. Dawn Francis-Pester takes a look at the many money-saving opportunities for home educating families.
Taking your child on a learning adventure
Ever been tempted to take your child out of school and go travelling with them? We take a look at how to make it work.
'Home educating our bullied daughter has changed our lives'
Lisa Miley from Essex began home educating her daughter Leanne, nine, after she was bullied at school. She shares her story.
'I'm home educating my children to save on school fees'
For families living overseas, home education can be an alternative to formal schooling. One family explains why they decided to teach their children at home.
Home educating children of different ages
Many families home educate more than one child. If you're thinking of doing the same for your family, we have parents' tips on how to make it work.
Home education around the world
What's it like to home educate a child around the world? We take a snapshot of home education in seven different countries.
'We wanted to give our children a faith-based education'
Parents Kirsty and Simon Hutchinson explain how they integrate their religious beliefs into their home education routine.
'My son's learning is tailor-made for him'
Mum-of-four Kate Brett, from the Isle of Wight, explains why she decided to home educate her visually impaired son, Jacob.
'Our motor home doubles as our classroom'
When Max and Katie Evans decided to go travelling, they also embarked on home educating their children. They explain what it's like to travel and teach at the same time.
'We chose home education because the kids were unhappy at school'
Janice Broomfield from Liverpool explains why she decided to home educate her three children when they became unhappy at school.
What is a home education group?
Looking for support with home education? With hundreds of home ed groups around the country, there’s no need to feel like you’re on your own
Home educating a child with special educational needs
If school life isn't suiting your child with SEN, home educating could be a viable prospect – but is it right for you?
Are you cut out to home educate?
So you're thinking about home educating your child but aren't sure whether you're up to the job. We address some of the most common concerns to help you decide on the best course of action for you and for your child.
How to boost your confidence with home education
Being solely responsible for your child's education can feel like a heavy burden at times. We have tips for putting yourself back in the home-educating driving seat.
How to track your home-educated child's progress
One of the principles of home education is that a child can learn at their own rate, but how you do make sure they're actually making progress?
The legalities of home education in the UK
Here’s our plain-English guide to the law surrounding home education in the UK – it’s not as complicated as you might think!
Getting started with home education: your step-by-step guide
Beginning to home educate your child is a big leap into the unknown, so how do you actually get the ball rolling? We explain how the process works in the UK.
Home education: your FAQs answered
Thinking about home educating your child in the UK? We tackle some of the burning questions.
How to write an educational philosophy
An educational philosophy can focus your home-educated child's learning and satisfy the local authority. We explain how to put it together.
What is flexi-schooling?
Tempted by the idea of home educating but not sure you could do it full-time? Flexi-schooling could be the perfect compromise, writes Elisabeth Attwood.
The laws on home education in Wales
As home education surges in popularity in Wales, we explain the facts you need to know if you're considering home-educating your child.
Home education laws in Scotland
Are you a parent in Scotland considering home-educating your child? We explain the legal process you'll need to follow.
Home education and the law in Northern Ireland
In recent years there has been controversy around the right to home educate in Northern Ireland. We explain what the law says.
Home education in England: the facts
What does the English law say about your right to home educate your child? We explain the legalities and practicalities of getting started with home education in England.
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.