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School life

School children's feet

On your child’s primary school journey, they’ll learn new concepts, master vital skills and, hopefully, make lots of friends too. There will be challenges along the way, and as a parent you’ll want to know where to find the right information and resources to help your child.

In this section of the site you’ll find helpful articles on a range of school-related subjects, from starting school, to understanding the curriculum, dealing with bullying, homework, exams, the parents' guide to school trips and the transition to secondary school.

Articles

Children at a free school
What is a free school?
How do free schools differ from standard primary schools? How do they operate and what do they teach? If you’re thinking of sending your child to a free school, or just want to know more about them, here’s a brief parents' guide.
National curriculum in England
The primary school National Curriculum in England explained for parents
TheSchoolRun explains everything parents need to know about the National Curriculum for English primary schools.
School boy with book bag
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.
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Children in classroom

Understanding the school curriculum

If you want to really support your child's learning at home, you'll need to understand what it is they are supposed to be learning in each school year, and the levels they are expected to reach. You'll find lots of information on the site to help you get a greater understanding of the Primary National Curriculum:
 

Parent teacher meeting

You and your child's school

Your child's school and their teachers are going to want to create a good relationship with you, the parent, to ensure that your child gets the best possible support at home and school. There is a lot you can do to help support the relationship on your side. Find out more here:

Essential Guide to the First Years of School
The Parents' Guide to Primary School

Get your child's school days off to a flying start – no worries, no stress, no panic! Created especially for parents of new school starters, our brilliant eBook answers every question you might have about your child's primary education.

This eBook will help you:
 

  •     Understand what schools do and what their priorities are
  •     Understand what school life is like for your child – from the start of their Reception year, right up until they take their Key Stage 2 SATs in Year 6
  •     Learn more about the different people and initiatives that shape your child’s learning experience
  •     Understand more about how you can help your child to get the most out of their time at school

Inside The Parents' Guide to Primary School you'll find over 220 pages jam-packed with the latest information and guidance on every stage of your child’s learning journey, plus handy hints, tips and at-home learning activities to help them reach their full potential.