What Should Children Know Before Starting Reception?
Starting Reception is a big milestone, not just for children but for their parents too! It is an exciting time, full of new experiences, friendships and opportunities, but it can also bring a few worries. One of the questions I am often asked by parents is, “What should my child be able to do before […]
What Is Pastoral Care and Why Does It Matter?
When parents visit a school, they will almost certainly hear the phrase ‘pastoral care’. It is one of those expressions that schools use frequently, but what does it actually mean, and why should it matter to parents? For me, pastoral care is quite simply about how well we look after the children in our care. […]
What Is a Prep School? A Guide for Milton Keynes Parents
If you are beginning to explore schools for your child, you may have come across the term ‘prep school’ and wondered exactly what it means. For parents who attended a state primary school themselves, the independent school system can sometimes seem a little unfamiliar. What is the difference between a prep school and a primary […]
Starting Nursery with a Baby: A Guide for Milton Keynes Parents
Leaving your baby at nursery for the first time is a big moment. For many parents, it is the first time they have entrusted their precious little one to someone outside their immediate family, and I don’t think we should ever underestimate just how emotional that can be. There may be excitement about returning to […]
Questions to Ask at a Prep School Open Morning
Open mornings are one of the best ways to get a real feel for a school. In a couple of hours, you can see classrooms in action, meet staff and pupils, and picture whether your child would be happy there. But with so much to take in, it is easy to come away without the […]
Independent vs State Primary Schools in Milton Keynes: What Are the Differences?
Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent. After all, the school they attend will play an important part in shaping not only their education, but also their friendships, confidence, interests and experiences during some of their most formative years. For families living in Milton […]
How to Support Your Child’s Reading at Home: A Guide for Parents
If there is one thing I would encourage every parent to do with their child, it is to read with them. I have always believed that developing a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give children. Books open up new worlds, introduce us to extraordinary characters, spark our imaginations and […]
How to Choose the Right Nursery in Milton Keynes
Choosing a nursery for your child is a big decision, and one that I think parents should take their time over. For many families, it will be the first time they have entrusted their baby or young child to someone outside their immediate family. Even when you are looking forward to returning to work or […]
Grammar Schools near Milton Keynes: A Parent’s Guide to the 11 Plus
Milton Keynes has no grammar schools of its own. Its state secondary schools are all non-selective. Neighbouring Buckinghamshire, however, has a fully selective system, and some Milton Keynes families choose to put their children forward for the Buckinghamshire 11 plus. This guide explains how that works, which grammar schools are within reach and what to […]
Funded Childcare Hours Explained for Milton Keynes Families
Childcare is one of the biggest costs for young families, so it is worth understanding exactly what help is available. Government-funded childcare hours can make a real difference, whether your child attends a day nursery, a pre-school or a nursery within an independent school. This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply and how […]