10 Questions to ask when choosing a Primary School

Are you currently looking around Primary Schools for next September ready for your child to start in Reception class, or, Foundation stage 2? Are you wondering what questions you should ask when choosing a new school? What things you should be looking for when looking around a new school or classroom?

 I found it really hard to approach this task with my 'parent hat' on, rather than my 'Teacher hat'. As many of you will know, I am a Primary School Teacher who specialised in the Early Years (EYFS) and I am extremely passionate about active, free-flow, play based learning. 

I have compiled a list of questions to ask when trying to choose a primary school below, some of which I asked when looking around the schools...some that I wish I had asked! Anyway, here is the benefit of my hindsight, carefully set out for you to use when researching schools for yourself... and once you've chosen, you can pop back and read my post all about school readiness and how to help our children prepare for Reception class. 

School readiness – preparing your child for Reception Class

School readiness…its something you’ll probably hear quite a lot if you have a child who is preparing to start Reception Class in September, but what does it actually mean??

How can we, as parents, make sure that we are helping and not hindering when preparing our 4 year olds for big school?

Most of my Teaching career was spent teaching Reception, and so this is something I thought long and hard about when passing on information to Parents. What would I hope, as their Teacher, they could do already? What sort of things would I discuss in the Parents meetings for new starters? Where would my expectations be bearing in mind I don’t yet know the children or what level they are at?

Its not what you might expect….

Post Natal Depression - What you need to know about PND

The thing with PND (post - natal depression, post-partum depression or post pregnancy depression) is that it gets to you even when you think it shouldn’t. You can almost feel it creeping up on you, like an unwanted period when you’re trying to conceive, and yet you stay in utter denial that this is actually happening because...well, why should it?

 

Why should you feel depressed when you have absolutely no reason to be? Why should you feel depressed when you’ve got everything you ever wanted and you’re supposed to be so utterly, deliriously happy with life?

THAT’S the thing. PND doesn’t discriminate.

How to spot a rat infestation when viewing a house

We were caught out by a hidden rat infestation in our house which we only discovered after we had moved in. Since then, we have become experts at checking for, and also noticing signs of a rodent infestation in order to make sure we don't suffer any further rat damage and to ensure that the measures we have put in place to get rid of rats have been successful.

 

I often think back to the information that would have been helpful to us when we were viewing this house, and so if YOU are currently looking to buy a house or you have suspicions that you may be dealing with a rodent issue - here are some things to look out for...

How to get rid of a rat infestation

Have you recently discovered a rat infestation, or are worried that you may have an infestation? (Read here for how to spot a rat infestation)

  

Perhaps you would like to be ready and armed in case a rat infestation occurs?

After unknowingly buying a rat infested house, and spending a fortune on repairs due to rat damage - here are some of the tools and resources we would recommend trying to deter or get rid of rats...

How to set up effective classroom rules

Effective classroom rules will vary depending on the ages of the children involved. What works for a 15 year old will not always be appropriate for a 5 year old.

 


With this in mind, I am going to tell you a little bit about how I set up effective rules within my Reception class that were conducive to effective teaching and a calm classroom.

Where Do I Start When Overwhelmed with Housework?

Housework is endless – we all know this. What’s worse, though, is that the longer you put it off, the more overwhelming it can feel. Tackling a mountain of laundry, a dirty bathroom and a messy living room can seem like too much.

 

So, how do you get started with housework when it all feels too overwhelming? That’s exactly what we’ll cover in this post, so read on to find out.

Creating The Perfect Playroom For Your Children: Design Tips And Inspiration

A well-designed playroom not only provides a dedicated space for your children to play and learn but also encourages creativity and development. Whether you have a small corner or a large room to work with, the following tips and inspirations will help you create the perfect playroom for your children.

First Day of School Poem

It's here. Now’s the time. I tell myself I’ll be fine

Its your first day of school, a new book, a new line

But one day you were here every day of the week,

playing with toys, reading books, hide and seek

Now those little legs skip on the pavement to class, as your hand fits in mine - but I hold it like glass...

A Poem for your First Day of School ...

Teaching Your Kids To Be Charitable: Top Tips

Every parent wants to raise their children to be well-rounded, confident adults, and the secret to doing just that is finding and building a winning community. You can only do so much as a parent, which is why establishing a great village for your kids is so important.

Of course, it isn’t just about what a community can do for you and your kids. You also need to ask yourself what you can do for your village. Building long-lasting, strong connections with the world beyond your front door is the secret to raising those well-rounded adults, and a great way to start is by teaching your kids to be charitable.

How do you get around to teaching charity to your kids? You use these top tips.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a New TV Stand

Selecting the perfect TV stand can enhance your living room or bedroom's aesthetics while providing functional benefits. With numerous options available, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure your choice meets your needs. Here are five key things to consider when choosing a new TV stand, with a recommendation to explore Furniture in Fashion's diverse range.

Gift Guide for 40 year olds

Welcome to our carefully curated gift guide for 40-year-olds! Whether it's a milestone birthday, a special anniversary, or just a thoughtful gesture, finding the perfect gift for someone in their 40s can be a delightful challenge. At this stage of life, individuals often have a clearer sense of their interests and preferences, making it all the more important to choose a gift that resonates with their unique personality and experiences. 

 

Disclosure: Some of these items were gifted in return for an honest review.

In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled a diverse range of gift ideas that cater to the tastes, passions, and lifestyles of those navigating their 40s. From personalized and meaningful presents to practical and indulgent options, you'll discover the ideal gift to celebrate this significant moment in their life. So, whether you're shopping for a friend, family member, or your significant other, let's dive into this treasure trove of gift inspiration to help you make their 40s even more remarkable!

How to Stay Motivated While Pursuing an Online Doctorate in Nursing

 

Whilst securing a nursing doctorate offers numerous benefits, the journey can be challenging for most nurses. Staying motivated throughout your pursuit of higher education demands a proactive approach, as it is relatively easy to get disheartened, especially with all the obstacles you need to overcome. In this article, let’s explore the various techniques for staying motivated throughout your online doctorate journey and tips to help you succeed in this dynamic profession.

Flight Cancellations to and from the UK: Securing Refunds and Compensation for Passengers

Flight cancellations and delays are inevitable occurrences in the world of air travel, often leading to significant inconvenience and frustration for passengers. In the UK, specific regulations and procedures are in place to protect travelers' rights, ensuring they receive appropriate refunds or compensation when their flights are disrupted. 

  

This article provides a comprehensive guide on the steps passengers can take to secure refunds and compensation when facing flight cancellations or delays.

Is Glutamine Good For Muscle Growth?

Glutamine is an amino acid that has gained significant popularity in the world of sports nutrition and supplements. Despite its many roles in the body, there are some claims that glutamine can improve muscle growth and athletic performance.

This article will explore the ways in which glutamine works in the body as well as its potential role in muscle growth.

4 Tips on Creating a Luxury Nursery

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby can be a stressful and exciting thing. You’ll need to get the house ready to greet its newest member, and that often means preparing a nursery. Ideally, it should be as luxurious a nursery as possible. After all, you’ll make your life easier by creating a space that’s practical, and that makes your child feel as comfortable as possible.

 

Let’s take a look at a few key tips for making your nursery a luxury one.

Are Private Schools Really Worth It for Kids?

As a parent, one of the most significant decisions you’ll make is where to send your child to school. The debate between state and private schooling is ongoing, with strong arguments on both sides. Many parents consider private schools to offer a better education and more opportunities for their children, but this comes at a high cost. So, are private schools really worth it for kids? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various aspects of private schooling to help you make an informed decision.

Exploring the Link between Allergies and a Sore Throat

Imagine you wake up one morning ready to take on the day, but the back of your throat hurts and feels scratchy. The culprit? A sore throat. But what if I told you that allergies could make this unpleasant experience even more uncomfortable? In this blog post, we will learn how allergies and sore throats are connected.

6 Reasons to Get Your Toddler Interested in Sports and Athletics

It may already seem obvious that regular physical activity benefits young children, but current research is digging deeper on just how much of an impact it makes. A recent study by Brujins et al, published in the International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity, found that children who were introduced to physical activities when they were toddlers exhibited significantly better health outcomes and cognitive performance than their less active peers. 

 

Many institutions across Asia have demonstrated their commitment to nurturing young talents through sports and athletics, knowing how much it matters to kids’ holistic development. In Kinderland Singapore, for example, they have a special program called KinderFit where young learners are encouraged to participate in sports and athletic activities that contribute to their overall wellness. To see KinderFit in action, as well as other activities that are meant to strengthen toddlers’ holistic growth, parents can check out Kinderland Singapore’s Facebook page and Kinderland Singapore’s official YouTube channel. 

Revolutionizing Walls: The Sustainable and Customized Wallpaper Experience at WallpaperMural.com

Welcome to Wallpaper Mural, a realm where your walls become a canvas for creativity and sustainability. We're not just a wallpaper company; we're innovators, environmental advocates, and artisans dedicated to transforming your living spaces. Our journey begins with a simple belief: every wall has a story to tell, and every story deserves a bespoke, beautiful backdrop. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of Rome, our wallpapers have adorned walls worldwide, reflecting our global reach and diverse design ethos.

 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post

Our mission transcends beyond beautifying homes; it's about making a positive impact. We believe in a world where stunning wall decor and environmental responsibility coexist harmoniously. This blog invites you to discover how we blend artistry with eco-consciousness, customer-centric services with unparalleled quality, and an ever-evolving collection that keeps pace with the latest design trends.

How to make the IKEA sofa bed more comfortable

Are you wondering how to make your IKEA HEMNES day bed sofa bed more comfortable?

 

Disclosure: Gifted items mentioned

Making your guest bed more comfortable for visitors, or even for yourself if you use it as a spare bed is really important for a quality night sleep. There is nothing worse than dealing with aches and pains in a morning after sleeping on a mattress which doesn’t support you…or losing your pillow down the back of your bed in the middle of the night!

This blog post will give you some realistic, affordable and helpful advice to make your bed more comfortable…

Revolutionizing Home Decor: The Eco-Friendly, Customizable World of Peel and Paper

Peel and Paper, a revolutionary wallpaper company, is transforming the way we think about interior design. At the heart of their operation is a commitment to eco-friendliness and customization, catering to a new era of conscious consumers. 

 

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post