At Prime7 Multi-Academy Trust, we believe children achieve their very best when schools and families work together in partnership. Our Trust values of Community and Inspire remind us that learning does not stop at the school gate. Every conversation, story, game and encouraging word at home can make a meaningful difference to a child’s confidence, wellbeing and progress.

Over recent weeks, we have been sharing practical ideas to help families support learning at home in simple, manageable ways. This guidance reflects our shared commitment to Ambition, Enjoyment and Resilience for every child across our Trust.

Small Daily Habits Make a Big Difference

Supporting learning at home does not need to feel overwhelming. Often, the most powerful approaches are the simplest:

• Reading together for just a few minutes each day
• Talking about school, books and everyday experiences
• Praising effort, perseverance and commitment
• Encouraging children to explain their thinking
• Building calm, positive routines around learning

These small, consistent moments help children develop confidence, vocabulary, memory and motivation.

Reading: The Gateway to Learning

Reading remains one of the most important skills children develop. Strong reading skills support progress across every subject and help children become independent learners.

Families can support reading by:

• Listening to children read aloud regularly
• Asking simple questions such as:
  • “What happened here?”
  • “Why do you think that?”
• Sharing stories together
• Encouraging discussion about characters and ideas

Even 5–10 minutes of reading each day can significantly improve fluency and understanding.

Useful resources for families:

• Oxford Owl for Home
• BBC Bitesize

Building Confidence in Writing

Writing can feel challenging for many children because it combines vocabulary, memory, creativity and concentration. One helpful strategy is encouraging children to say their sentence aloud before writing it down. If children can confidently explain their idea verbally, they are often much more successful when writing independently.

Families can also support writing through:

• Storytelling
• Drawing and labelling pictures
• Keeping simple journals
• Talking through ideas before writing

Making Maths Meaningful

Maths learning happens everywhere, not only in classrooms. Everyday activities provide excellent opportunities to develop number confidence and reasoning skills.

Simple examples include:

• Counting items while shopping
• Measuring ingredients while cooking
• Talking about time and schedules
• Sorting and organising objects
• Discussing how problems are solved

Children benefit greatly when adults explain their thinking aloud using phrases such as:

• “I chose this because…”
• “What could we try next?”
• “How do we know?”

Useful resources:

• White Rose Education Parent Resources
• BBC Bitesize Maths

Learning Through Play

Children remember learning best when it feels enjoyable and engaging. Play-based learning supports creativity, communication, memory and problem-solving.

Simple playful activities can include:

• Rhymes and songs
• Counting games
• Story retelling with toys
• Word games
• Creative role play

Repeating favourite games and activities throughout the week helps strengthen learning and confidence.

Supporting Wellbeing and Focus

Children learn most effectively when they feel calm, secure and emotionally regulated. Short movement breaks, breathing exercises and positive encouragement can help children feel ready to learn.

Before reading or homework time, families might try:

• A few deep breaths together
• A short stretch or movement break
• Positive encouragement such as:
  • “Let’s give it a go together.”
  • “We can work this out.”
  • “Mistakes help us learn.”

Short bursts of movement can improve concentration and readiness for learning.

Useful resource:

• BBC Supermovers

Creating Healthy Habits Around Screen Time

Technology can support learning when used carefully and intentionally. Children benefit most when screen time is balanced with reading, outdoor play, conversation and creative activities.

Watching educational content together and discussing what children have learnt can significantly improve understanding and retention.

Every Child Develops at Their Own Pace

Perhaps most importantly, children grow and learn differently. Comparing children to others can create unnecessary pressure and anxiety. Instead, focusing on effort, resilience and improvement helps children develop confidence and a positive attitude towards learning.

Helpful phrases include:

• “You’re improving every day.”
• “I love how hard you tried.”
• “Mistakes mean you’re learning.”

At Prime7 Multi-Academy Trust, we are proud to work alongside families to help every child thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Thank you for the support, encouragement and care you provide each day at home. Together, we can continue building confident, resilient and successful learners.