Supporting Your Child's Journey at Stanley Primary School
Working Together for Success
At Stanley Primary School, we believe that children achieve their very best when home and school work together. From the moment your child starts in Reception until they leave us for high school in Year 6, your support, encouragement and involvement play a vital role in their learning, wellbeing and confidence.
As part of our Stanley Family, we are committed to learning together to create opportunities and experiences that enable our children to achieve their full potential.
By working in partnership, we can help every child develop the skills, knowledge, resilience and enthusiasm needed for a successful future.
Living Our SMARTER Values
At Stanley Primary School, our SMARTER values are at the heart of everything we do. We encourage all children to be:
S - Sensible
M - Motivated
A - Aim High
R - Resilient
T - Thoughtful
E - Enthusiastic
R - Respectful
These values help children develop positive attitudes towards learning, build strong relationships and prepare for life beyond primary school. We encourage our families to support and reinforce these values at home so that together we can help every child become the very best version of themselves.
School Readiness and Starting Reception
Starting school is an exciting milestone. Parents can support children by helping them to:
• Develop independence in dressing, toileting and personal hygiene.
• Follow simple routines and instructions.
• Share, take turns and play cooperatively with others.
• Talk about their feelings and experiences.
• Enjoy stories, songs and conversations at home.
• Practise recognising their name and developing early number skills through everyday activities.
Most importantly, help your child feel positive and excited about coming to school. A confident start lays the foundation for future success.
Reception and Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
During these important early years, children develop their reading, writing and maths skills.
Reading Together
• Listen to your child read at least three times each week.
• Read stories to them regularly, even when they begin reading independently.
• Talk about books, characters and new vocabulary.
• Encourage a love of reading by visiting libraries and sharing books at home.
Developing Learning Habits
• Establish good morning and bedtime routines.
• Ensure regular attendance and punctuality.
• Celebrate effort as well as achievement.
• Encourage curiosity and ask questions about their day.
Supporting Homework
• Provide a quiet space for homework.
• Encourage your child to complete homework on time.
• Offer guidance whilst allowing them to develop independence.
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)
As children grow older, they become more independent learners. Parents can help by:
• Continuing to listen to reading and discussing books together.
• Encouraging regular reading at home, with at least three reading sessions each week, alongside opportunities for independent reading.
• Practising times tables regularly.
• Showing an interest in school topics and projects.
• Encouraging organisation and responsibility for homework and belongings.
• Supporting participation in clubs, events and enrichment opportunities.
At this stage, children benefit greatly from developing the Stanley SMARTER values by being motivated, resilient, thoughtful and aiming high. Encourage them to keep trying when learning becomes challenging, take pride in their achievements and show respect and kindness towards others.
Upper Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6)
In the final years of primary school, children prepare for greater independence and eventually transition to high school.
Encouraging Independence
• Support children to organise their equipment and homework.
• Encourage them to manage their own responsibilities.
• Help them develop problem-solving skills and resilience.
Supporting Reading and Learning
• Continue to discuss books, news articles and current events.
• Encourage reading at home at least three times each week and continue to promote independent reading for pleasure.
• Practise times tables and key maths skills when possible.
• Promote positive attitudes towards learning and challenge.
Preparing for SATs
SATs are only one part of your child's primary school journey. You can support them by:
• Encouraging regular attendance.
• Ensuring they have a good night's sleep.
• Providing healthy meals and routines.
• Praising effort rather than focusing solely on results.
• Reassuring them that tests are simply an opportunity to show what they know.
The Importance of Good Attendance
Every day in school matters. Good attendance helps children build strong friendships, develop confidence and make the most of every learning opportunity.
You can support your child by:
• Establishing consistent morning and bedtime routines.
• Arriving at school on time each day.
• Avoiding holidays during term time wherever possible.
• Encouraging a positive attitude towards school attendance.
• Contacting the school promptly if your child is unwell or if you need support.
Excellent attendance helps children feel settled, connected and successful throughout their school journey.
Screen Time and Healthy Habits
Technology can provide wonderful opportunities for learning and entertainment when used appropriately. However, children also need time away from screens to play, talk, read, be active and spend time with family and friends.
We encourage families to:
• Set clear boundaries around screen use.
• Create screen-free times, particularly before bedtime.
• Encourage outdoor play and physical activity.
• Promote hobbies, creativity and family activities.
• Read together regularly as an alternative to screen-based entertainment.
• Discuss online safety and responsible use of technology.
Finding a healthy balance helps children develop socially, emotionally and academically.
Supporting Wellbeing and Mental Health
A child's emotional wellbeing is just as important as their academic success.
Parents can support their child's wellbeing by:
• Talking regularly about their day and listening carefully to their thoughts and feelings.
• Encouraging children to share worries and concerns.
• Helping them understand that everyone experiences challenges and setbacks.
• Praising effort, resilience and kindness.
• Providing consistent routines and boundaries.
• Encouraging friendships, play and family time.
• Modelling positive ways to manage stress and emotions.
If you have concerns about your child's wellbeing, please speak to us. Working together allows us to provide support at the earliest opportunity and ensure every child feels safe, valued and able to thrive.
Preparing for High School
Moving to secondary school is another exciting step.
You can support your child by:
• Talking positively about change and new opportunities.
• Encouraging independence and responsibility.
• Helping them develop organisational skills.
• Discussing any worries or concerns openly.
• Celebrating all that they have achieved during their time at Stanley.
How Parents Can Support Throughout the Seven Years
No matter what year group your child is in, there are some simple things that make a huge difference:
✅ Ensure your child attends school every day and arrives on time.
✅ Listen to your child read at least three times a week and encourage independent reading at other times.
✅ Encourage and support homework completion.
✅ Limit unnecessary screen time and encourage active play, reading and conversation.
✅ Talk positively about school and learning.
✅ Support your child's emotional wellbeing and mental health.
✅ Celebrate effort, perseverance and progress.
✅ Encourage good behaviour, kindness and respect.
✅ Maintain healthy sleep routines and good attendance habits.
✅ Communicate with school if you have any concerns.
✅ Get involved in school events and activities.
✅ Model the Stanley SMARTER values at home by encouraging children to be sensible, motivated, aim high, resilient, thoughtful, enthusiastic and respectful.
Proud to be Purple
Together, as part of our Stanley Family, we can help every child grow into a confident, capable and successful learner. By working in partnership and encouraging children to demonstrate our SMARTER values every day, being Sensible, Motivated, Aiming High, Resilient, Thoughtful, Enthusiastic and Respectful, we can ensure they leave Stanley Primary School with happy memories, strong values and a love of learning that will support them throughout their lives.
We are proud to work alongside our families to help every child achieve their full potential and become the very best version of themselves.