Archive Website of the UK government

Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.

Public services all in one place

Main menu

Wednesday, 3 October 2023

Page menu

Browse by subject

Browse by people

Parents

Finding out about your child's primary school

To help prepare your child for primary school, it is worth finding out as much about the school before the first day. You may want to know about the school's ways of working and policies, what your child will need and how they will learn.

Getting information about primary schools

You can find out about your local school by getting a prospectus from the education department of your local authority or directly from the school. It may also be useful to talk to parents who already have children at the school.

Many schools organise open days or evenings, which will give you the opportunity to ask questions and see inside your child's school.

Choosing a school

Find your local authority Opens new window

How your child will learn

In the first year of primary school the Foundation Stage continues and so your child should encounter the same sort of learning and activities they were used to in their early years setting. The next two years of primary school are called Key Stage 1 and the next four years are known as Key Stage 2. For each of these stages, the National Curriculum lays down which subjects are taught.

Finding out how teaching and learning takes place can help you support your child to make the most of their time at school.

You may wish to find out about:

methods used for teaching and learning
school rules
school policies on areas like homework, behaviour, child protection, attendance and bullying
facilities available, for example a library or sports facilities
how you will be informed about your child's progress and included in decisions about their learning
getting involved in your child's education, for example through parent-teacher associations or by becoming a governor
how best to help your child's learning at home, for example by talking to them about their learning and reading with them
support available if your child has special educational needs

Understanding the National Curriculum

What are special educational needs

Helping your child to learn

The daily routine

Going to school will involve a change to your child's routine. It helps to find out:

when the school day starts and finishes
what the usual daily routine is
what happens at playtimes and lunchtimes
what arrangements the school has to help your child settle before the first day
whether the school offers additional childcare, including breakfast or after school clubs
the term and holiday dates
what happens to your child if they are ill in school
how long it takes to get ready for, and travel to, school
whether you need to buy anything before your child starts school, for example a uniform or special clothing for games or art