How Imagination Builds Reading Comprehension
When children understand a story deeply, they are doing far more than reading words on a page. They are noticing clues, predicting what might happen next, working out how characters feel and filling in information that isn’t directly stated. This is
School Allocation Day: Supporting Your Child (and Yourself) Through the Ups and Downs
It’s that time of year when families across the UK find out which school their child will be starting in September, from little ones beginning Reception to children making the big leap to secondary school. School allocation day can bring
Before Children Read Words, They Read Meaning
When we think about children learning to read, it’s easy to focus on letters, sounds and decoding. Phonics, print and books all matter, but true reading comprehension begins earlier, with understanding meaning. Before children can read words, they are already
Helping Children Get Ready to Eat and Drink Independently at School
Starting school brings lots of exciting changes for children, but for many, lunchtime can be one of the trickiest parts of the day to navigate independently. From opening their lunchbox to peeling a banana, these small tasks are actually big
Building Motivation for School Success
Starting school is a major milestone, and while most children are excited to join in, motivation plays a big role in how well they adjust to learning and new routines. Many young children are used to working towards external rewards:
The Importance of Role Models for Young Children
As children prepare for the exciting transition to school, they’re not just learning how to write their name or put on their coat independently. They’re also beginning to understand who they are in the world. At this stage, role models,
Playgrounds and School Readiness: More Than Just Fun and Games
When we think of playgrounds, we often picture children climbing, sliding, swinging and shouting with joy. But beyond the fun, playgrounds are also powerful learning environments that can play a big role in helping children get ready to start school. Whether
Making Separation Easier for Your Child
Starting school is a big milestone, and for many children one of the most challenging parts is being away from their main carer for a whole day. Some children may feel anxious because they’ve never been to childcare before, while
Supporting Children with SEND in Preparing for School
Starting school is a big step for any child, but if your child has Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND), you may feel unsure about how best to prepare them. While every child is different, some extra planning and support
The Power of Friendship: Supporting Children as They Start School
Starting school is a big change, and one of the things that can make it feel less daunting for children is having a friend by their side. Friendships help children feel safe, happy, and more confident in a new environment,