Category: Parent Tips
Back After Half-Term: Rebuilding Routines Before the Busy Winter Weeks
The return after October half-term can feel surprisingly difficult. The clocks have changed, mornings are darker and many children come back to school knowing that assessments, GCSE mock examinations and end-of-term expectations are approaching. A hesitant first week does not mean that a child has lost motivation. It often means that their body clock, concentration […]
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GCSE Mocks Are Coming: A Practical November Preparation Plan for Year 11
November mock examinations are approaching in many secondary schools. For Year 11 students, mocks are an important opportunity to practise exam conditions, identify gaps and understand how current performance may translate into grades. They are not the final GCSE examinations—but they should still be taken seriously. The end of October is the right time to […]
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October Half-Term: Rest, Reset and Catch Up Without Ruining the Holiday
By the time October half-term arrives, children have completed a demanding first term. New routines, lessons, friendships, assessments and homework have required sustained effort. Kent’s standard half-term holiday runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026, although families should check their own school’s dates and INSET arrangements. The holiday should provide genuine rest. However, […]
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“My Child Is Falling Behind”: What Parents Should Do First
Hearing that your child is below the expected level can feel frightening. Parents may immediately worry about future exams, secondary school, confidence and whether they should have noticed sooner. Pause before responding. “Falling behind” is not a complete diagnosis. It is the beginning of a set of questions. Find out exactly what the gap is […]
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After Parents’ Evening: Turning Teacher Feedback into a Practical Home Plan
Parents’ evening has finished. You may have heard reassuring feedback, identified a concern or received several suggestions in a very short conversation. The important question is: what happens next? Feedback is only useful when it becomes a realistic action. Families do not need an overwhelming new timetable. They need clarity about the most important priority […]
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Preparing for Parents’ Evening: The Questions That Lead to Useful Answers
Parents’ evening appointments can pass very quickly. A short conversation must cover attainment, progress, effort, confidence, behaviour and next steps—often in only a few minutes. Without preparation, parents may leave having heard that their child is “fine” but still not understand what that means. As schools begin their autumn progress conversations and parents’ evenings, use […]
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Is Your Child Really Settling In? Six Early Signs They May Need Support
By the fourth week of September, the excitement of new uniform and fresh stationery has usually faded. Children have experienced the pace of their new year group, completed homework and begun to understand their teacher’s expectations. This is when parents may start seeing the difference between ordinary adjustment and a difficulty that deserves closer attention. […]
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Kent Test Week: How Parents Can Protect Confidence and Reduce Exam Anxiety
Kent Test week has arrived. Children attending Kent primary schools sit the test on Thursday 10 September 2026, while children who do not attend a Kent primary school sit it over the weekend of 12 and 13 September. After months of preparation, it can be tempting to use every final minute for one more paper, […]
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Encouraging a Love for Reading at Home
Helping Children Fall in Love with Stories (Not Just School Books) Some children can’t wait to dive into a book. Others… not so much. And that’s okay; loving reading is something that can be encouraged, built, and nurtured over time. At Maidstone Learning Centre, we believe reading should be joyful, imaginative, and personal not just […]
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Helping Your Child Tackle Exam Nerves
Feeling a bit nervous before an exam is completely normal, even healthy. A little adrenaline can sharpen focus. But for some children, nerves can feel overwhelming and get in the way of showing what they truly know. At Maidstone Learning Centre, we believe emotional readiness is just as important as academic preparation. Here are some […]
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