Understand the local school journey

Many children attend nursery education before entering Reception, then continue through Years 1 to 6 and move to secondary education in Year 7. Local schools may organise age ranges differently, including all-age settings. Ask the local authority to explain the actual pattern where you live.

An attached nursery does not guarantee a Reception place. Nursery and school applications are separate. Check the local timetable, the responsible admission authority and any forms required for the school you prefer. If you are considering a later start, seek advice before changing plans so the place and year group are understood.

Choosing the language of education

Welsh-medium education is an option for families who do not speak Welsh at home as well as those who do. Ask the school how it supports new learners, communicates with parents and helps families understand homework. A visit is a good opportunity to hear how language is used in classrooms and informal conversations.

Think beyond the first year. Ask about continuity into secondary school, opportunities to use both Welsh and English, and support if a child joins later. Schools differ in their language arrangements, so read the particular school's description rather than assuming every bilingual setting works in exactly the same way.

How Curriculum for Wales fits together

Curriculum for Wales groups learning into six areas: expressive arts; health and well-being; humanities; languages, literacy and communication; mathematics and numeracy; and science and technology. Schools design their curriculum within the national framework, connecting learning with the needs and experiences of their pupils.

This means a topic can bring together several subjects without losing the knowledge each contributes. A local river investigation, for example, might involve measurement, scientific observation and discussing human activity. Ask how the school builds understanding over time and checks that pupils are ready for the next step.

Understanding progress

Progression in Wales is a continuum, rather than a simple checklist that every child completes on the same birthday. Teachers use a range of evidence to understand learning. In maintained schools, personalised reading and numeracy assessments also contribute information for learners in Years 2 to 9.

At a meeting, ask for an example of something your child can now do that was previously difficult. Then ask what they are working towards and how home can help. A useful explanation should connect any report or assessment result with ordinary learning, rather than leaving you to interpret a number alone.

Support, wellbeing and school culture

Read the school's information about additional learning needs, pastoral care and how families raise concerns. Wales uses its own additional learning needs system; do not assume that terminology from England describes the same process. If your child already has a plan or specialist involvement, share the details early and agree who will coordinate the transition.

Estyn reports provide another perspective on a school. Read strengths and improvement priorities together, and check the inspection date. Ask about what has happened since the report, how children participate in decisions and what help is available when friendships, communication or learning become difficult.

Making everyday arrangements work

Check the school calendar itself as well as council dates, particularly training days. Confirm travel, school meals, uniform and any breakfast or after-school provision. Universal primary free school meals are available in maintained primary schools, but families may still need to register and should ask separately about eligibility for wider support.

Look for the opportunities that make the school feel like a community: performances, sport, creative work, outdoor learning and family events. Ask whether activities are available to all pupils and how costs are managed. A good experience should be possible without assuming every family has the same money, transport or free time.

Your quick checklist

  • Confirm nursery and Reception application arrangements separately.
  • Visit the language settings you are considering.
  • Ask about the transition from primary to secondary school.
  • Read the school curriculum summary and an example progress report.
  • Check additional learning needs and pastoral contacts.
  • Confirm meals, travel, uniform and the school calendar.
More tools for your family

Common questions

Must parents speak Welsh to choose Welsh-medium education?

No. Schools can explain how they support families who do not speak Welsh. Ask about communication, homework guidance and opportunities to learn alongside your child.

Does Wales use the English national curriculum?

No. Wales has its own curriculum framework. Use the school curriculum summary and Welsh guidance rather than importing English key-stage or assessment assumptions.

Are nursery and Reception places the same application?

They are separate stages. Contact the local authority or relevant admission authority for the current process, even when the nursery is attached to the primary school.

Sources & checking

This guide was checked against the publications below. They are listed by name so you can identify the underlying guidance. Arrangements can change, and the school or relevant education authority can confirm what applies to your child.

  • Welsh Government — School admissions and appeals: frequently asked questions
  • Welsh Government — Education is changing: Curriculum for Wales
  • Welsh Government / Hwb — Curriculum in Wales: a guide for parents
  • Welsh Government — Continuing with Welsh-medium education
  • Welsh Government / Hwb — Personalised assessments: information for parents and carers
  • Estyn — Inspection explained for parents and carers
  • Welsh Government — Free school meals: information for parents and carers

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