Primary & Key Stages
How to build reading habits in kids
How to build a daily reading habit in children: choosing books, reading aloud, the five-minute rule, screens vs pages, and how reading lifts every subject.
5 min read
What is Key Stage 2?
Key Stage 2 explained: which school years it covers, KS2 SATs in Year 6, what the exams test, and how it connects to 11+ and secondary readiness.
4 min read
What is Key Stage 3?
Key Stage 3 explained: UK school Years 7-9, what students study, why formal SATs were removed, and how KS3 builds the base for GCSE success.
4 min read
What is Key Stage 1?
Key Stage 1 explained: UK school Years 1-2, phonics screening in Year 1, informal Year 2 assessments, and how parents build reading and maths foundations at home.
4 min read
What is the phonics screening check?
The Year 1 phonics screening check explained: what it involves, the pass threshold, what happens if a child doesn't pass, and how parents help at home.
4 min read
What is the multiplication tables check?
The multiplication tables check (MTC) explained: the Year 4 online times-tables test, what it involves, the pass standard, and how parents help at home.
4 min read
How to improve reading comprehension
Reading comprehension strategies that work: predicting, questioning, summarising, vocabulary building and the daily routines that build understanding.
6 min read
The Year 7 transition guide
The Year 7 transition guide: how UK secondary differs from primary, the wobble to expect, homework and organisation systems, and when to step in.
6 min read
How to improve mental maths
How to improve mental maths at any age: number bonds, times-tables fluency, estimation habits, daily games and the 6-second rule that exam timers enforce.
5 min read
How to prepare for Year 6 SATs
Year 6 SATs preparation for parents: what the tests cover, a realistic timeline, how to help at home without pressure, and what the results mean.
6 min read
How to help your child with spelling
Practical spelling strategies for parents: phonics-based approaches, look-say-cover-write-check, word families, and building spelling confidence.
5 min read
How to help your child with fractions
How to help your child understand fractions: the visual approach, the four operations, common misconceptions and when to bring in a tutor.
6 min read
Key Stage 1 English: what good progress looks like
Key Stage 1 English explained: phonics, reading fluency, writing expectations, and gentle tutoring when Year 1–2 progress stalls.
6 min read
When your child is struggling with spelling
Practical help when your child struggles with spelling: phonics check, patterns to teach, and when spelling-focused tutoring helps.
6 min read