Reception to Year 6
The Parent's Guide to Primary School in England
The things nobody thinks to explain about school, money, childcare, support and your child's education. 2026/2027 edition.
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The problem this solves
School information is scattered across letters, apps, council pages and word of mouth, and families can miss out on money and support they may be eligible for.
Starting school comes with a whole new language. Phonics. INSET. Pupil Premium. SENCO. Wraparound care. SATs. Free school meals. Breakfast clubs. EHCPs. Attendance codes. Somehow parents are expected to know what all of it means.
This handbook brings it together in one calm, readable place, so you can understand how the school system works, find the support your family may be entitled to, know what happens in each school year from Reception to Year 6, and go straight to the official information when you need it.
Please note: this guide is written for state funded primary education in England for the 2026/27 academic year. Rules, entitlements and deadlines change, and they can differ by local authority. Always check the official gov.uk website and your local council to confirm that you are eligible for any support or opportunity mentioned here, and to verify every detail before you act on it.
Please note: This is an independent guide created by The Intentional Parent for parents. It is not an official UK Government or Department for Education publication, nor is The Intentional Parent affiliated with or endorsed by either. Official sources are linked throughout the guide so you can check the latest information relevant to your family.
What's included
- The primary school years explained, with school language translated
- Money and support you may be missing: free school meals, Pupil Premium, breakfast clubs, wraparound childcare and help paying for it
- School uniform rules, including the new rule, and second hand uniform
- What your child is assessed on: Reception, Year 1 phonics, Year 4 times tables check, Year 6 SATs
- When your child needs more support, and what an EHCP actually is
- Attendance, absence and term time holidays
- School places, waiting lists and appeals
- How to raise a school concern properly
- Holiday activities and food (HAF) and the school holidays
- Your school year command centre, parents evening questions and a resource directory
Who it's for
Parents and carers of children in Reception to Year 6 at school in England.
Questions