When children start school for the very first time, parents often feel a sense of excitement coupled with a touch of sadness at the end of an era. This is the start of a new adventure for children: playing and interacting with new friends, sharing, taking turns and settling into a new routine. But of course, this is not the start of your child’s education which in fact began at birth. Back then, you would have been your child’s most influential teachers. During this time at home, your child would have learned more than at any other period in their life. During your child’s first year in school, much time will be spent in learning to read and they need to know that this is fun and worthwhile. Your child will naturally copy you, so it is important that you are seen reading and enjoying books, newspapers and magazines rather than just absorbed in screens. Ultimately, an excellent education should be a close partnership between parents and teachers. A child’s year splits fairly neatly into thirds: a third at school, a third asleep and a third awake at home or on holiday. Irrespective of the quality of a school, a child’s home life is of key importance. It is the determining factor of their academic success. Your child may have started on a new journey but your work is far from finished.