Woman on thin ice

Raising children isn’t just about helping them succeed academically, it’s also about guiding them to grow into kind, respectful, and responsible individuals. Teaching moral values at home gives children a strong foundation for making good choices and building positive relationships throughout life. Below, a prep school in Richmond share five important moral values to explore with your child. Respect Respect is one of the cornerstones of positive behaviour. Teaching children to value themselves and others helps them build healthy relationships and understand different perspectives. Encourage respect for people, property, animals, and the environment. Simple acts like saying “please” and “thank you” or listening when someone else is speaking go a…

A healthy sense of self-esteem helps children feel confident, resilient, and capable of facing life’s challenges. When children believe in themselves, they are more willing to try new things, learn from mistakes, and build strong relationships. As parents and caregivers, there are many simple but powerful ways to support and nurture your child’s self-esteem every day. Here are some tips from a sixth form in Wolverhampton. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Achievement Praising your child’s effort, rather than only the end result, teaches them that hard work, persistence, and determination matter. Instead of focusing solely on grades or trophies, highlight the progress they’ve made and the dedication they’ve shown. Encourage Independence…

Parental involvement plays a huge role in a child’s academic success and overall development. When parents actively engage with their child’s learning, it not only boosts confidence but also strengthens the bond between home and school. The good news is, being involved doesn’t always mean grand gestures, it’s about consistency, encouragement, and showing your child that their education matters. Communicate Regularly with Teachers Stay in touch with your child’s teachers, not just at parents’ evenings. Many schools offer online platforms, email updates, or newsletters, use these to stay informed. A quick check-in now and then can help you understand your child’s progress and identify any areas where they may need…

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects are at the heart of discovery, innovation, and problem-solving. Encouraging your child to explore STEM at home not only supports their learning at school but also nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. The good news is that you don’t need a lab or fancy equipment, many STEM activities can be done with everyday materials and a little imagination. Here are some tips from a private prep school in Surrey. Why STEM at Home Matters Children are naturally curious. By fostering an interest in STEM from an early age, you’re helping them build confidence in exploring new ideas, asking questions, and finding solutions. STEM…

Parents’ evenings are a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and gain a deeper understanding of their progress, strengths, and areas that may need support. With limited time during each appointment, it’s essential to go in with a few clear questions in mind. Here are five important questions to ask at your next parents’ evening, shared by a private school in London: How is my child doing academically compared to expectations? This question helps you understand whether your child is on track with their learning, exceeding expectations, or falling behind. Teachers can give you a clear picture of how your child compares to both class and national standards,…

For many people, learning to swim is something associated with childhood. But the truth is, plenty of adults never had the chance or the confidence to master this essential life skill. The good news? It’s never too late to learn. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy swimming as a hobby, build fitness, or simply feel safer around water, adult swimming lessons can make a huge difference. Why Adults Choose to Learn Later in Life There are countless reasons why someone might only decide to learn to swim as an adult. Some may have missed out on lessons as a child, while others may have developed a fear of water over the…

Stepping into sixth form is often described as a bridge between school and university or the workplace. It’s a time of independence, responsibility, and preparation for the future. But what does a typical week in sixth form really look like? Let’s take a walk through the life of a student and explore the balance of study, social life, and self-discovery, inspired by the practices of this sixth form in London. Monday: Starting the Week with Focus Mondays in sixth form often begin with a sense of purpose. Unlike younger year groups, students usually have more control over their timetables, with a mix of lessons, private study periods, and enrichment opportunities.…

British winters are not kind to gardens. Prolonged rain, limited sunshine, and compacted soil often leave outdoor spaces waterlogged and difficult to enjoy. Even the most loved family garden can become a muddy patchwork of footprints, soggy lawns, and inaccessible play areas. For many households, the garden becomes off-limits during winter, leading to missed opportunities for fresh air and outdoor time. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a few smart changes and permanent upgrades, even the muddiest garden can be transformed into a usable, welcoming space during the colder months. Practical, low-maintenance options are available that make year-round access easier for the whole family. Why British Gardens…

Finding the right balance between rest and exercise while on holiday can be tricky, especially if you’re someone who thrives on staying active. But just because you’re travelling doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fitness routine. In fact, with the right planning, you can actually enhance your training while experiencing new landscapes, cultures, and challenges.  Choose Destinations That Support Your Interests When planning your holiday, think about destinations that naturally lend themselves to your preferred activities. If you’re into hiking, cycling, or swimming, look for places that offer scenic terrains and outdoor facilities. If you’re a fan of cycling, consider exploring some of the best cycling tours in Italy,…

Mornings can feel like a dizzying blur of alarm bells, hastily gulped-down breakfasts, and last-minute searches for car keys, particularly on a weekday. For households juggling school runs, commutes, and everyone’s unique routines, however, a few simple tweaks can completely transform frantic starts into calm, controlled launches. 1. Prep the Night Before Spend ten minutes each evening laying out tomorrow’s outfits, packing lunches, and checking bags. Lining up school uniforms, work kits, and gym gear by the door means you’re not hunting for mismatched socks or stray library books at 7 AM. A quick glance before bed saves endless decision fatigue when you’re running on autopilot. 2. Create a Morning…

Want to add a touch of sophistication to your garden without going overboard on budget or upkeep? Whether you’re preparing your outdoor space for summer entertaining or simply craving a more refined spot to relax, a few thoughtful updates can make all the difference. Here are four simple, stylish ways to elevate your garden—no matter its size. Invest in Elegant Garden Furniture Well-chosen furniture can instantly give your garden a high-end feel. Look for pieces made from quality, weather-resistant materials like teak, rattan, or powder-coated metal. Not only do these materials look effortlessly stylish, but they’ll also stand up to the unpredictable UK weather. How you arrange your furniture matters…

Your home should be a place where you feel relaxed and grounded, no matter the weather outside. But maintaining that sense of comfort year-round doesn’t require a full renovation or a professional designer. Here are a few practical and thoughtful touches that will help you create a space that adjusts with the seasons, keeping your home stylish, practical, and in tune with the changing months. Switch up your soft furnishings for all-year cosiness From woollen throws in January to light linen cushions in July, layer textiles to immediately shift the mood of any room. In the colder months, add warmth with chunky knits, lush velvets, and deep-toned rugs. As temperatures…

Sometimes, we all need a safe space where we can retreat from the world for a while and truly recharge our batteries. It surely makes sense that this space should be the place you call home. Thankfully, by following the steps below you can cultivate a space that nurtures calm, creativity, and connection. Nurture a Soothing Morning Atmosphere Your day often hinges on its opening moments. Start by softening the transition from sleep to wakefulness: install a lamp with a gentle dimmer or opt for a wake-up light that simulates dawn. Pair it with a calming playlist (think plaintive acoustic guitar or soft ambient piano) to ease you into wakefulness.…

Approaching retirement is one of life’s most important transitions, bringing both exciting opportunities and financial considerations. Making sure that you’re adequately prepared needs planning across multiple areas, from understanding your state pension entitlement to budgeting for healthcare needs. With proper preparation, you can look forward to a financially secure and fulfilling retirement that aligns with your personal goals and lifestyle aspirations. 1.   Understand Your State Pension Entitlement Your state pension is the foundation of most retirement income plans, making it essential to understand exactly what you’re entitled to receive. The full new state pension is currently £230.25 per week in 2025-26, totalling £11,973 annually, but your actual amount depends on…

In our connected yet fragmented world, the simple act of taking to the open road offers unexpected rewards that go beyond reaching your destination. Road trips give you an opportunity to step away from the relentless pace of modern life, offering mental clarity, personal growth, and genuine connection in ways that other forms of travel simply cannot match. For UK travellers looking for more than just a change of scenery, embarking on a road trip adventure can deliver surprising benefits that resonate long after you’ve returned home. A Boost for Mental Health and Mindfulness The therapeutic power of road travel is in its ability to create space for reflection whilst…