At Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School, we value the partnership between home and school. The encouragement, conversations and experiences children enjoy with their families help them grow in confidence and develop a love of learning.

Learning at home can be simple and enjoyable. Sharing a book, playing a game, cooking together or talking about the day all provide valuable opportunities to learn.

Making Learning a Positive Experience

• Build short, manageable activities into your family’s routine.

• Show interest in what your child is learning and encourage them to explain their ideas.

• Praise effort, perseverance and progress.

• Give your child time to think and try things independently.

• Take a break if an activity becomes frustrating and speak to the class teacher if difficulties continue.

• Make time for play, physical activity and rest.

Reading and Phonics

Reading together is one of the most valuable ways to support your child. Listen to them read regularly, talk about unfamiliar words and enjoy discussing characters, events and interesting facts. Continue reading aloud to your child as they become more independent readers.

We use Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised for early reading and phonics. When practising reading, use the book provided by school, which is matched to your child’s phonics knowledge. Re-reading helps develop confidence and fluency. Enjoy sharing other books together too; your child does not need to read these independently.

Useful links:

• Little Wandle – For Parents — Videos and guidance on saying sounds, blending words and supporting reading at home.

• Oxford Owl – Free eBook Library — Books to explore together. A free parent account is required. For independent phonics practice, continue to follow your child’s teacher’s guidance.

Maths in Everyday Life

Look for opportunities to use maths together: count objects, compare prices, measure ingredients, tell the time or play board games. Encourage your child to explain how they worked something out.

Practise the number facts or times tables recommended by your child’s teacher. If you are unsure about a method, please ask so that home practice supports the approach used in school.

Useful links:

• NRICH – Maths at Home — Games, puzzles and challenges grouped for ages 3–5, 5–7 and 7–11.

• Topmarks – Hit the Button — Timed games for practising number bonds, doubles, halves, multiplication and division facts. Choose activities that match your child’s current learning.

Talking, Vocabulary and Writing

Encourage your child to talk about their interests, explain their thinking and ask questions. Sharing stories and conversations in your home language is valuable too.

Give writing a purpose: make a shopping list, write a card, label a picture or create a short story together. Encourage your child to say their ideas aloud before writing.

• Words for Life – National Literacy Trust — Activities organised by age to support talking, reading, writing and play.

Exploring the Wider Curriculum

Visit our Curriculum by Year Group and Curriculum by Subject pages to find out what your child is learning. Use the information shared there to start conversations, revisit vocabulary and explore topics together.

Visits to the library, walks in your local area, drawing, making, music and observing nature can all help children connect their learning with the world around them.

Keeping Safe Online

Explore websites and games together, choose age-appropriate activities and talk regularly about online experiences. Remind your child to tell a trusted adult if anything makes them feel worried or uncomfortable.

• NSPCC – Online Safety — Practical advice for families on conversations, parental controls and supporting children online.

Working Together

If you are unsure how to help, need an activity adapted or have difficulty accessing resources, please speak to your child’s class teacher. We can work together to find a manageable approach that supports your child’s needs.