There are many ways in which you can support and encourage your child to do well at school. We run workshops to explain the curriculum to parents/carers.
General advice for helping children learn is given below:
For babies/ toddlers:
- Regularly visit a toy-library and select fun and educational toys.
- Visit ‘Mother and Baby’ and ‘Toddler’ playgroups. Your child will learn social skills, such as sharing from an early age, and will find settling in, when starting school, much easier.
- Talk to your child as much as possible. It is very important to talk in your own ‘mother-tongue’, even if this is not English. This will enhance your child’s capacity to learn other languages and learn difficult concepts later on in life.
- Read bedtime stories to your child as often as possible. Talk about the pictures and the stories with your child.
- Limit the amount of time your child watches television. Research has shown that children who watch a lot of T.V. have a less developed vocabulary and do less well at school later on.
- Make sure your child follows a healthy and varied diet. This should be low in sugar, but have plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Every child has different needs, but generally children under 5 need at least 12 hours a night.
For older children:
- Continue to play with and talk to your child. Ask them about their day, what they did and what they enjoyed.
- Take your child to parks and museums. They are free, and are great fun!
- Continue to read with your child, or discuss the books they read with them.
- Support your child with their homework. If you are unsure about a task yourself, please do not hesitate to ask for help at school.
- Make sure your child continues to eat a healthy diet. If your child takes a packed lunch to school, ensure it contains appropriate food, such as sandwiches, yoghurt and fruit. Please do NOT give them chocolate, crisps or fizzy drinks.
- Walk to school if possible; ensure your child gets regular exercise.
- Make sure your child attends school every day, unless they have a medical reason. Shopping trips, trips to the airport, or translating for family members during doctor visits are NOT authorised absences.
- Continue to make sure your child gets enough sleep. Children up to 10 years may still need up to 10 hours sleep at night.
- Make sure your child is dressed appropriately for school; this includes warm coats in the winter and suitable footwear. Sandals and high heels are a health hazard, as is any type of jewellery.
- Limit the amount of time your child watches television or uses a Playstation/ game computer.