Educational Blog
Free resources, tips, and insights for parents and educators.
30 June 2025
Why Extracurricular Activities Matter: More Than Just a Hobby
When we think about our children’s education, it’s easy to focus on classroom learning — maths, reading, science, and exams. But some of the most important lessons children learn happen outside of formal lessons, through extracurricular activities. Clubs, sports teams, creative groups, and school trips offer more than just fun and games. They play a vital role in shaping children’s social, emotional, and personal development. Here’s why extracurricular activities matter so much — and what they give children that the classroom alone often can’t.
25 June 2025
How to Choose the Right School for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. It’s about more than just Ofsted reports and league tables — it’s about finding a place where your child will feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn. With so many factors to consider, it can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve put together a clear, parent-friendly guide to what to look for when choosing a school for your child.
23 June 2025
Positive Screen Time: Educational and Enjoyable Shows, Apps, and Channels for Children
In today’s digital world, it’s no secret that children love their screens — whether it’s the TV, a tablet, or a smartphone. And while it’s important to set healthy boundaries, not all screen time is created equal. In fact, when chosen carefully, digital content can support learning, spark curiosity, and even strengthen important skills. Let’s explore how to make screen time a positive experience for your child, and highlight some of the very best educational, age-appropriate shows, apps, and YouTube channels for children.
21 June 2025
Thinking About Supply Teaching? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re a qualified teacher considering a step away from the traditional, full-time classroom role — whether for a better work-life balance, new experiences, or simply a change of pace — supply teaching might be on your radar. It’s a unique and rewarding branch of teaching, but like any career choice, it comes with its own set of pros and cons. In this post, we’ll explore what supply teaching involves, weigh up the benefits and challenges, and offer some practical tips to help you thrive in this flexible and dynamic role.
15 June 2025
The Power of Reading to Babies: Why it Matters from Day One
It’s one of life’s simplest joys — cuddling up with your little one and sharing a story. But did you know that reading to your child, even when they’re just a baby, plays a vital role in their early brain development, language skills, and emotional connection? Let’s explore why those bedtime stories, silly rhymes, and family tales matter more than you might realise.
22 May 2025
Slow Down: Let’s Teach Our Children the Joy of a Gentle, Unhurried Life
In a world where everything is instant — information, entertainment, food, even friendships — it's no surprise that both adults and children struggle to be still. We scroll endlessly through social media, watch videos in 15-second bursts, and abandon anything that doesn't immediately captivate us. Our attention spans have shrunk, and our patience is thin. But what if we slowed down? What if we allowed ourselves, and our little ones, the gift of a gentler pace? It might sound counterintuitive, but boredom is a beautiful thing. It's the space where imagination lives. When a child has nothing to do, their mind starts to fill the gap. That's when a stick becomes a magic wand, a cardboard box transforms into a spaceship, and a pile of cushions turns into a secret fortress.
21 May 2025
The Rise of Special Educational Needs in Primary Schools Across Northern Ireland and England
In recent years, both Northern Ireland and England have seen a marked increase in the number of primary school pupils identified with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This upward trend raises important questions about how schools can best support these pupils and what resources are available to families. Let’s explore what SEND is, why the numbers are rising, how schools and teachers can help — and what the process is for getting an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place for children who need one.
20 May 2025
10 early maths activities using household items!
Thinking about teaching your child early maths? Relax! You don't need fancy resources or complicated lesson plans. The most effective math lessons can happen right at home, using the items you already have. This blog post is packed with ten fun, hands-on activities that turn everyday objects – from socks and cereal to building blocks and kitchen ingredients – into engaging opportunities for your child to explore numbers, shapes, and measurement. Discover how simple creativity can unlock a world of mathematical discovery and make learning playful and powerful!
19 May 2025
The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling in Northern Ireland and the UK
In recent years, homeschooling has become an increasingly considered option for families across Northern Ireland and the UK. While the majority of children still attend mainstream schools, the number of home-educated pupils has grown steadily, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Families choose homeschooling for a range of reasons — from concerns about school environments to a desire for more personalised learning. But is homeschooling the right choice for every family? Let’s explore the pros and cons, focusing on the quality of teaching, the breadth of curriculum, and the development of social and emotional skills.
18 May 2025
10 books to encourage a lifelong love for reading!
Remember those books that transported you to another world as a child? The ones that sparked your imagination and stayed with you long after the cover closed? Encouraging that same lifelong love of reading in your own child starts with sharing truly magical stories. This post dives into ten timeless classics – from the munching adventures of a very hungry caterpillar to the whimsical worlds of Wonderland and Hogwarts – that have captivated generations. Discover why these beloved books continue to delight young readers and find inspiration for making storytime an enchanting and enriching experience for your family.
16 May 2025
Helping Your Child Learn and Grow at Home
Parenting is a journey filled with love and learning – for both you and your child! Sometimes, the idea of supporting their education can feel daunting, leaving you wondering if you're doing enough. But the wonderful truth is, you don't need elaborate lessons or expensive resources. This post explores how weaving simple, everyday activities into your routine – from sharing stories and playing with sounds to measuring ingredients and spotting shapes – can build crucial foundations in reading, phonics, math, and telling time. Discover practical, actionable tips that turn ordinary moments into powerful learning opportunities, helping your child thrive with confidence. Plus, find out how expert guidance, like our phonics mini-course, can make the journey even smoother!
14 May 2025
How Children Learn in Schools in the UK & Northern Ireland
Navigating the education system can sometimes feel complex. From the Early Years Foundation Stage to GCSEs and beyond, each key stage focuses on different skills and knowledge. Understanding how lessons are delivered – through whole-class teaching, group work, and hands-on learning – and how progress is assessed can help you better support your child. This guide provides a clear overview of age ranges, the National Curriculum, assessment methods, and how learning is structured, including the specific approach in Northern Ireland. By understanding the system, we can work together to help every child flourish.
13 May 2025
Your Child and the Pandemic: Why Now Matters More Than Ever
The COVID-19 pandemic has left lasting impacts on our youngest learners. Reading and math skills have slipped, and the gap between disadvantaged students and their peers has widened significantly. As a primary school teacher, I've seen these challenges firsthand. But parents and carers have a vital role to play. Real learning doesn't just happen in the classroom – it happens in everyday moments. By making small changes, like incorporating counting into kitchen tasks or pointing out numbers on the school run, we can make a real difference. You're not alone in this. Let's work together to help our children bounce back stronger than ever.
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