Education
Everything you need to know about choosing schools, supporting children with special needs, bullying, testing and the curriculum. Of course, education isn't just about school. Helping your children to learn at home has never been more fun for all the family. There are lots of interactive activities on the web that bring learning alive to children of all ages and their parents, too.
Early years
Experts agree that it's never too early to start learning with your child. The early years are a vital stage in children's educational development. It doesn't have to be boring. There are lots of fun learning activities on the web, even for little ones, which you can enjoy together.
Choosing a school
Choosing a school is a colossal decision for parents. Making the right choice for your child involves plenty of research and planning and there's a vast amount of information to sift through. If you don't know where to start, take a look at the resources below.
"One-stop-shop" for independent schools information, with a personalised school search tool
Independent Schools Council
Parents' information about Scottish schools, including independent and SEN education
Learning and Teaching Scotland Parentzone
Written by parents for parents, the Good Schools Guide researches, visits and reviews thousands of schools
The Good Schools Guide
Special needs education (SEN)
As many as 1 in 5 children and young people have special educational needs (SEN) at some time during their school days. To help parents navigate through the maze of SEN information that is produced, National Family Week has selected the best resources available on the web.
Parents' information on SEN issues including the government's Code of Practice
Advisory Centre for Education
Excellent SEN topics, including finding schools, SEN law in the UK and classroom help
The Good Schools Guide
Helping with homework
Homework can cause stress for parents and children alike. There's lots of information available to parents on helping their children with homework, from creating the perfect homework area in the house to helping them complete some of the trickier tasks.
BBC Schools discusses the benefits of helping with homework, with top tips on the best way to help
BBC Schools
The Parents Centre explains the government's homework guidelines and offers tips on helping your child learn
Parents Centre
National curriculum
Whether you want to help your children sail through their SAT tests or simply find out more about the curriculum, avoid information overload and stick to National Family Week's selection of the best websites.
Free SATs test papers and help with understanding your child's test results (membership required)
My Child
All curriculum areas from Key Stages 1 to 4 are free to download from the National Curriculum website
National Curriculum
Making learning fun
Learning isn't all about school, homework, exams and grades. The web boasts lots of exciting websites that offer exciting, interactive activities for children. They're so much fun that the children won't even realise that they're learning!
Tackling bullying
Discovering that your child is being bullied, or is a bully, can be an upsetting and worrying experience. Parents can feel confused and guilty and unsure of what to do next. Nowadays, organisations offer a wealth of support to children and families affected by all types of bullying, including the new problem of 'cyber-bullying.'
Masses of bullying-related information in helpful sections tailored to young people and parents
Bullying UK
Practical advice on what to do if your child has been accused of bullying others at school
Parentline Plus
Scottish Anti-Bullying Service offering invaluable pointers for parents and support for children
RespectMe
Our supporters
"Encouraging families to get active is a subject very close to my heart, so I am thrilled and delighted to be able to show my support for National Family Week."
Sally Gunnell OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist
"I am pleased to endorse National Family Week and its aim of promoting and celebrating family life in Britain."
Gordon Brown, Former Prime Minister
"I really hope that National Family Week encourages people to take a moment to realize the importance of the people they have around them."
Amanda Holden, Britain's Got Talent Judge
"I look forward to taking part in National Family Week and encouraging others to do the same."
Antony Worrall Thompson, Celebrity Chef
"I am delighted to welcome National Family Week. It's full of practical ideas, and it will be great to see organisations from all sections of society join together to celebrate family life."
David Cameron, Prime Minister
"I think National Family Week is a great initiative that will encourage families to come together and realise how important every part of the family is."
Sir Terry Wogan, Radio and Television Broadcaster
"National Family Week is the perfect chance for families to make time for each other and have fun while they are doing it."
Esther Rantzen, CBE, Broadcaster, Campaigner and Chair of The Family Commission
