There are many ways to help youngsters navigate school life, here school staff give us some handy pointers

Top Tips from Churcher’s College Junior School & Nursery for Smooth, Stress-Free Learning

Supporting your child’s learning journey doesn’t have to feel like a battleground. As Ffion Robinson, Head of Churcher’s College Junior School & Nursery, often reminds parents, homework in the primary years is about building habits, confidence and independence – not perfection. Here are some warm, practical tips to help make learning at home more positive and productive:

  1. Start with a chat
    Spend a minute discussing what the task is and how your child will know they’ve succeeded – clarity calms nerves.
  2. Try a simple checklist
    A short “What to do when I’ve finished” list helps children check their own work without feeling corrected.
  3. Use a timer to boost focus
    Short bursts of effort can make tasks feel lighter and less overwhelming.
  4. Celebrate independence
    If they don’t want help, that’s a win! Let teachers handle accuracy – independence is half the journey.
  5. Prioritise the basics
    Reading, times tables and spellings matter most. If anything else becomes too much, let the teacher know.
  6. Remember the bigger picture
    Homework now is gentle preparation for the increased expectations of Year 7– not a measure of ability. With calm routines, encouragement and realistic expectations, home learning can become a positive part of family life.

Find out more at churcherscollege.com

Marlborough House Vinehall’s top tips to help parents be involved in their child’s learning

Gone are the days of factory-produced children who spent each waking hour at school reading and copying from a black board. Times have changed, and with the change in time has been a shift in education and pedagogy. 

Much learning in prep schools today is often cross-curricular and project based. More and more schools are attempting to teach soft skills whilst equipping their young people with as much academic knowledge as they can. And with a change in the methods of teaching has also been a change in the involvement of parents. Whilst once parents were nothing more than bill payers and someone to collect at the end of a term, a good prep school in the 21st century sees a parent as a key stakeholder; a partner in a child’s school journey. Parents today, rightly, want to know how their child is progressing and want to be reassured that the school has a good handle on their academic and pastoral needs. 

  1. Trust the school
    Trust that the Head and the teachers know their craft and can deliver what you’re paying for.
  2. Talk to the school
    Reach out to teachers and ask how you can support at home. Don’t wait for parents’ evening. 
  3. Show that you’re also committed to the learning journey
    Take some time to work with your child and make statements such as, “Wow, I never knew that.” This shows them that learning doesn’t stop when you finish school.
  4. Be positive and supportive
    Kids will have bad days from time to time. Who doesn’t? It’s ok to go out for pizza and pick up the books later. Sometimes, a reset is all it takes.
  5. Be proud of your child no matter what
    The more pressure you put on them to get it right all the time, the less likely they are to enjoy their learning. We all know that engagement turns something we have to do into something we want to do.

Find out more at mhvschool.co.uk

Ms Justine Earl, Deputy Head Academic at Spring Grove School in Wye’s tips

  1. Read to your children
    Most important of all, read to them beyond the early years, even beyond primary school if they will let you! Sharing and discussing texts with your child has proven benefits such as building a rich vocabulary, developing listening and meaning-making skills, and helping your child to develop confidence in dealing with complex material.
  2. Actively listen
    Listen to your child as much as possible, without the distraction of screens.
  3. Encourage your child’s curiosity
    Think about the language you use; less telling and more speculating … ‘How do we know?’ ‘What might happen if…?’ ‘Shall we try…?
  4. Work with your child’s school
    Attend meetings, read newsletters, support school routines and expectations, bring up concerns early and see how you can work in partnership to help your child.

Find out more at springgroveschool.co.uk

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