French Schools in London
There are two very big reasons for choosing a French primary school in London. Firstly, your child will reap the rewards of a bilingual education which are said to include greater cognitive flexibility and decision-making skills, increased academic performance, cross cultural competency, superior communication skills and a reduced risk of dementia. Secondly, on a more […]
IB Schools in London
A common point made in the many, many Heads’ speeches that Sabine and I have witnessed over the years is that we, as adults, have no idea what jobs today’s teenagers will be doing in the future. Such is the pace of change in the 21st century’s rapidly evolving careers market. With this sobering thought […]
Summer holiday activities to do at home with reluctant writers
Painter’s brushes and a bucket of water on paved surface or wall to encourage large movements and mark making Playdough and putty- squeezing, cutting, rolling and twisting- excellent for building strength in fingers and building up to tripod grips hold for pencils and pens. Busy things app- excellent letter formation games for children working on […]
What to do to prepare for nursery
Whether its your third time round or a precious eldest child, the transition to nursery is often an emotional experience for both child and parent. Working as a nursery and reception teacher there were numerous occasions I would comfort a weeping parent as an even more hysterical toddler was peeled away from their mothers arm’s […]
What Should We Be Able To Do By The End Of Reception?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the first part of the National Curriculum for children aged 3-5, therefore covering both Nursery and Reception. During those years children will be assessed regularly in seven areas of learning: three ‘prime’ areas (Communication, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development) and a further four ‘specific’ areas […]
What parents can do to help 4+ assessments?
Activities parents can do with 3 year olds * When your child turns 3 you can begin to extend into some more focused work. Some nurseries and schools look for name recognition and then for your child to be able to write their name from memory. You can start encouraging this do this by […]
How to Prepare for the 11 plus
Having helped families prepare for the 11+ for over 12 years, I have seen a huge variety in approaches. However, whichever you decide upon, there is no escaping the fact that it is a hugely stressful time for everyone involved and the very first point I will always discuss is that you need to watch […]
The Dyslexic Advantage
If your child has recently been diagnosed with dyslexia, you may be feeling concerned about both their educational attainment and future prospects. Having worked as a dyslexic teacher in the SEN departments of Garden House School and currently Thomas’s Battersea, I have seen the struggles that many dyslexic children face and the profound impact that […]
Best Montessori nurseries in London
Having trained in teaching following the EYFS (Early Years Framework) I am not experienced in the Montessori philosophy. However over the years I have become more and more appreciative of the ethos and especially the skilled techniques and resources Montessori teachers use to teach difficult concepts such as place value and phonics. A high quality […]
Tutoring: The Last Taboo
In cosmopolitan London pretty much anything goes around the dinner party table, except that is, the admission that you tutor your child. Parents agonise over whether to begin this expensive habit having already spent a small fortune on their child’s private school. Their Head has told them that they do not recommend tutoring and schools say they can spot a tutored child a mile […]
