Secondary school application sent: how we ranked our choices
Form done, two weeks before the deadline. How we ranked the schools, the arguments we had at the …
Secondary school open evenings: what we asked and what we heard
Three open evenings in a fortnight. What we asked, what Isla noticed that I didn't, and the question …
First week of Year 6: the secondary school countdown starts
Top of the school, a new walking-to-school arrangement and a letter about open evenings in her bag on …
Phonics check, school reports and the end of Year 1
Reports came home on Thursday, with Alfie's phonics result folded inside. What they said, how we talked about …
Paying for school trips and clubs: a year of ParentPay in one list
Trips, clubs, photos, non-uniform days and cake sales. Every ParentPay payment for both kids this school year, added …
How I muted the class WhatsApp group and stopped missing things
Two class groups, 300 messages a week, and I still missed non-uniform day. How I muted them, what …
Reading at home with a Year 1 boy who'd rather be outside
The reading record comes home every night and Alfie would rather be kicking a ball. What's helped him …
Parents' evening in ten minutes: the questions I actually ask
Two kids, two ten-minute slots, one very small chair. The questions that got me real answers this year …
First week of Year 5 and Year 1: what changed in our mornings
New classrooms, a new teacher each and a Friday packed lunch for Alfie. How our first week back …