Getting started
Choosing a preschool or playgroup
A practical preschool visit guide: compare play, key-person relationships, communication, inclusion, routines and costs before choosing a setting.
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Understand the stages of school and make the first days feel a little more familiar.
11 helpful guides
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Going to school in England
A family guide to schools in England: Reception, primary and secondary years, admissions, curriculum, support and making school life work.
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Going to school in Wales
Explore school life in Wales, including Welsh-medium education, Curriculum for Wales, admissions, learning support and the move to secondary school.
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How the UK school system works
Understand the four UK school systems, school stages and everyday school life, with a practical starting point for families in each nation.
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Middle schools and the three-tier school system
Find out how first, middle and upper schools work, how ages and transfer points vary, and what to check when choosing or moving between school systems.
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Nursery and preschool: a family guide
Understand nursery and preschool choices across the UK, what a good visit can tell you, how funding differs and how to prepare for the next step.
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Reception and the early years explained
Discover how Reception works in England, why play matters, what the EYFS covers and how families can support learning without unnecessary pressure.
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Schools in Northern Ireland: a parent’s guide
Explore Northern Ireland’s primary and post-primary schools, year groups, admissions and curriculum, with useful advice for settling into school life.
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Schools in Scotland: a parent’s guide
Understand Scottish school stages, Curriculum for Excellence, starting ages and everyday school life, with practical questions to ask your child’s school.
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Starting primary school with confidence
Prepare for primary school with a calm, practical guide to starting ages, settling in, first-day routines and working with your child’s new teacher.
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Starting secondary school with confidence
Prepare for secondary or post-primary school with practical advice on new routines, friendships, lessons, travel and getting the right support early.
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