They’re home, they’re fed, the telly’s off and now it’s the Homework Horror Hour! A recent survey carried out by the Government’s “Get On” Campaign reveals that 7 in 10 parents are wary of helping their children with their homework and are finding it increasingly difficult to understand and lend a hand in their children’s […]
Children learn to speak by hearing speech — not swiping. But the right tech, used wisely, can support language, not silence it. A child’s brain is wired for words. From birth, they’re tuning into the rhythm, tone and melody of language. And by the time they reach Reception, their vocabulary size is one of the […]
Emotional literacy is a bigger predictor of school success than knowing letters or numbers – and it starts long before the classroom. When we talk about school readiness, we often focus on academic basics – counting to 10, recognising letters, writing their name. But the quiet superpower that often gets overlooked? Emotional regulation. A child’s […]
Building Brains Through Play – Why Messy, Hands-On Learning Beats Apps In a world filled with educational apps and digital flashcards, it’s easy to believe that technology holds the key to early learning. But research — and centuries of childhood wisdom — tell a different story: Before children are ready for school, they must first […]
When used wisely, tech can open doors — but real-world experiences must always come first. In today’s world, screens are part of everyday life. Even the youngest children see adults with smartphones, tablets, laptops, and TVs — it’s the digital air they breathe. The question is no longer whether children should have access to technology, […]
When the topic of preparing children for school comes up, technology often quickly takes centre stage. Parents are inundated with promotions for apps claiming to teach toddlers to read, online platforms promising to make maths exciting, and digital tools marketed as essential for giving their child a head start. Yet, the real key to school […]
70% of British primary schoolteachers have noticed a rise in the number of 3-7-year olds wetting themselves during the school day. As a former Deputy Head and Class Teacher for 22 years I also taught 35 five-year olds in Reception but I certainly didn’t think it was my job to toilet train the children in […]
I’m a former Deputy Head and Class Teacher for 22 years so I know first hand about teaching Reception Class children – I taught 35 four year olds! I’ve also raised 2 children. So, I’m rather shocked by the new survey by Early Years charity Kindred² 93% of teachers say their school is increasing […]
I’m speaking on BBC Radio Sheffield about the increase of young children being excluded from school from as young as 5. Recently I wrote about ‘School Readiness’ as this is a complex subject not easily dismissed by the taxi driver who said to me, ‘All they need is a good smack.’ Here is an article […]
A Practical Guide
A calm, practical starter guide from Sue Atkins to help you handle smartphones, social media, gaming, sleep and online pressure — without rows or panic.
Download the free scripts and tips here.
