What's new this school year? Parents' guide to changes

As a primary headteacher, I know many of us are eagerly anticipating the changes the new government will bring to education this year. From stricter attendance policies to enhanced mental health support, here’s a friendly breakdown of what’s coming and how it might affect your child’s school experience.

Stricter attendance rules

One of the biggest changes this year is the government’s focus on improving school attendance. Starting in September, schools will be more rigorous in enforcing attendance rules to ensure every child benefits from a consistent, high-quality education.

What’s changing:

• Closer monitoring: Schools will now closely track attendance and work with local authorities to address persistent absenteeism.
• Legal duties: Parents are reminded of their legal obligation to ensure regular school attendance. While schools aim to support parents in this, fines and legal measures will be enforced more consistently if necessary. 
• Support for struggling students: Schools are encouraged to identify and help children facing challenges that impact attendance, such as mental health issues or difficult home environments.

Term-time holidays

In addition to stricter attendance policies, the government is also tightening rules around term-time holidays. The message is clear: children should stay in school during term time unless there are truly exceptional circumstances. 

What it means for you:

• Unauthorised absences: Taking a holiday during term time without permission will still be recorded as an unauthorised absence, which can lead to fines.
• Exceptional circumstances: Schools can still grant leave for exceptional reasons, but these criteria are now more strictly defined. Routine family holidays are unlikely to be approved.
• Open communication: If you believe your situation warrants a term-time holiday, it’s important to communicate openly with the school. However, the overall priority is keeping children in school.

As a primary headteacher, I know how we appreciate the value and importance of a family holiday. However, we will now have less autonomy or control over the management of these fines with greater pressures being placed on schools to implement them. 

Mental health support

There's a significant shift this year in the focus on mental health and well-being in primary schools. Schools are being encouraged to take proactive steps to support children’s emotional and psychological health, recognising its crucial role in learning.

• Schools will integrate mental health topics into the curriculum, helping children understand and manage their emotions, build resilience and seek help when needed.
• Many schools are finding ways to bring in mental health professionals to provide targeted support for children facing emotional challenges.
• Schools are introducing programmes like mindfulness sessions and peer support groups to help reduce stress and anxiety, creating a better learning environment. Within my own school, we have found using relaxation and mindfulness sessions invaluable in helping the children and encouraging them to be more engaged and productive.

National Curriculum enhancements

To address learning gaps, especially those caused by the pandemic, schools are enhancing the curriculum with a focus on core skills and hands-on learning.

What’s new:

• Schools are emphasising literacy and numeracy, using focused group work, tutoring and interactive tools to help children meet expected standards.
• There’s a growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) with activities like coding classes and science experiments to develop critical thinking skills.
• While reinforcing core subjects, schools are also ensuring a well-rounded education, including the arts, physical education and humanities.

Increased inclusivity

Inclusivity remains a top priority, with schools working to create environments where every child feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or abilities.

Focus areas:

• Schools are enhancing support for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by training staff and providing the necessary resources.
• Schools will incorporate diverse perspectives into the curriculum, celebrate various cultural traditions and address issues of inequality and bias.
• Strengthened anti-bullying policies will create a safe and supportive environment for all children.

Digital learning and safety

From September schools are updating their approaches to technology use, focusing on digital literacy and online safety.

What to expect:

• Schools will ensure children not only know how to use technology but also understand online safety, digital citizenship and the ethical use of information.
• Given the increased time children spend online, schools will provide more education on how to navigate the internet safely and respond to cyberbullying.
• Schools will also need to explore blended learning models that combine traditional classroom teaching with digital resources. This approach provides flexibility and allows children to engage with learning materials in different ways, catering to various learning styles.

Getting ready for the new school year

With these changes on the horizon, it’s clear that primary education in the UK is evolving. As a headteacher, I’m excited about what lies ahead, and as parents, staying informed and engaged with your child’s school is key. Reach out to your child’s teacher, ask questions and be involved in how these changes will shape your child’s learning experience this year.

Matt Revill is a primary school headteacher with over 20 years experience of working in schools. He has worked in a range of settings and currently works within a multi-academy trust of 14 schools. In his free time, he enjoys reading, computing, holidaying and spending time with his family and friends. Matt has a son who is currently working his way through A-levels at college.