Should my child take the eleven plus?

If you are keen for your child to attend one of England or Northern Ireland’s selective state grammar schools, it is likely they will need to get through the 11+ test first. The test is usually taken early in the last year of primary school but parents often start pondering over whether to do it […]

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Are after-school clubs good for my child?

Many people enrol their child or children in an after-school club and, for working parents, they are a lifeline. As well as extending the school day for working parents, after-school clubs can also be a fantastic way for children to widen their knowledge, make new friends and learn some great new skills. What is an […]

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Is my child a genius?

All children are special, but being a ‘genius’ is an innate ability, an aptitude of a different league that sets the Einstein’s, Steve Jobs and Marie Curies apart. Professor Joan Freeman explains how to identity extraordinary intelligence in children and how to help gifted young children make the most of their brilliant minds. Joan says: […]

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My child is starting primary school – How can I get prepared?

As the big “first day” of school approaches, we have compiled some recommendations on what to buy and how to get prepared. Become Familiar Getting to know the school before September comes around can be a great way to help your little ones feel more at ease. Becoming familiar with their new surroundings, as well […]

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Is my child eligible for free school meals?

Taking advice from the government’s website, if you get any of the following you could be eligible for free school meals for your children. Income support Income-based job seekers allowance Income-related employment and support allowance Support under part VI of the immigration and Asylum Act 1999 The guaranteed element of Pension Credit Child Tax Credit […]

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Is my child dyslexic?

The signs and symptoms of dyslexia differ from person to person. Each individual with the condition will have a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Symptoms Problems learning the names and sounds of letters Spelling that is unpredictable and inconsistent Putting letters and figures the wrong way around, such as writing ‘6’ instead of ‘9’, […]

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What can I do if my child is struggling at school?

No matter how hard you try, it is possible that your child may struggle academically during their primary school career. To tackle this, we have compiled a number of different strategies from the PBS parent’s organisation. Take a break – If your child says ‘I can’t do it!’ and throws the pencil down, take a […]

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How do I get my child ready to go back to school?

New ironed shirts and shiny new shoes can only point to one thing – it’s September and time to go back to school. For the little one it can be a nerve-racking time of year and for parents it can be stressful and straining. For those in need of support and guidance, we have compiled […]

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My child won’t concentrate in their lessons – what should I do?

Attention and concentration difficulties are very common in primary school-aged children. There are a number of behaviours which are easy to spot in your child, including: the inability to sit still, difficulty following instruction or completing work, problems behaving, or the inability to resist distraction. These attention and concentration difficulties can have a significant impact […]

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How can I help my child with their homework?

Helping your child with their homework can be a really good way to encourage their learning and maximise their potential. The BBC have compiled an extensive list of top tips which you can use when working with your child on their homework, here are a few of our favourites: • Find a quiet place at […]

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