The parents blog

One post a week, following the school year. Applications, checks, half terms and the things that land in a book bag with no explanation. Back to the guides.

• Half term without a screen fight

  19 October 2026

  • There is official advice for under-5s. For ages 5 to 16 there is none yet — it was promised for this autumn.
  • The clearest evidence is not about how long. It is about what, and who with.
  • A finish causes fewer arguments than a limit.

• Secondary applications close on 31 October — and it is a Saturday

  12 October 2026

  • If your child is in Year 6, the deadline is 31 October. This year that falls on a Saturday.
  • Do not assume you get the Monday. Check what your council says.
  • Missing it does not mean no school. It means your application is looked at after everyone else's.

• Five minutes a day beats an hour on Sunday

  5 October 2026

  • Short and often beats long and occasional, for reading, tables and spellings alike.
  • Five minutes you actually do is worth more than twenty you plan.
  • Pick a time that already exists in your day rather than making a new one.

• What the reception baseline assessment is

  28 September 2026

  • It happens in the first six weeks of reception. Your child will barely notice it.
  • It is not a test of your child. It is a starting point for measuring the school.
  • There is no score, no pass, and nothing for you to prepare.

• Your child's reading book looks odd. Here is why

  21 September 2026

  • Early reading books are written using only the sounds your child has been taught. That is why they read strangely.
  • Your child is meant to be able to read every word. If they are guessing, tell the teacher.
  • Keep reading proper stories to them as well. The two books do different jobs.

• Choosing a secondary school: what to look at on an open evening

  14 September 2026

  • Open evenings are a show. That is fine — go anyway, and go with questions.
  • Take your child. Their reaction is worth more than the tour.
  • The deadline is the end of October, so September is when to visit.

• Applications for September 2027 are open

  7 September 2026

  • Two deadlines, months apart. Secondary is the end of October. Primary is mid-January.
  • Missing the deadline does not mean no school. It means you are near the back of the queue.
  • Apply through your council, not the school — even for the school next door.

• The first week back: what actually matters

  31 August 2026

  • The first week is about settling, not learning. Nobody is behind yet.
  • Tiredness in week one is normal, and it is much worse than parents expect.
  • If something is worrying you, say it now. September is the cheapest month to raise anything.