Year 1 is an important year where children build the foundation skills they will use throughout their time in school. You can support this at home by encouraging curiosity, independence and confidence in everyday activities. Simple routines such as talking about their day and giving opportunities to play, explore and problem‑solve all help strengthen the essential building blocks for learning.

Sharing books together

Reading at home is one of the most valuable ways you can support your child. We encourage families to read together daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Please record ths is in yor child's individual reading daily (and bring them into school every day). Listening to your child read their school book, sharing stories together and talking about characters, settings and new vocabulary all help develop fluency, comprehension and a love of reading. Little and often makes a big difference.

Phonic Screening Check

Phonics continues to be a key focus in Year 1. Children learn to recognise sounds, blend them to read words and segment them to support spelling. You can help by practising the sounds sent home, playing simple phonics games and encouraging your child to spot familiar sounds in books, signs and labels around the home. Keeping phonics fun and relaxed helps build confidence.

During the summer term, all Year 1 children take part in the Phonics Screening Check. This is a short, one‑to‑one activity where children read a mixture of real and ‘nonsense’ words to show how well they can use their phonics skills. It is not a formal test, and most children see it as a simple reading activity. We prepare children thoroughly in school, and you can support them by continuing regular reading and phonics practice at home. 

Above all, the most important thing you can do is encourage your child, celebrate their efforts and keep learning enjoyable. If you would like ideas, resources or guidance on how to support your child at home, please speak to the Year 1 team or contact the school office to arrange a meeting with the class teacher.

Writing at home

Children in Year 1 are encouraged to ‘have a go’ at spelling when writing independently by using their phonics to sound out words. We may ask them to ‘write it like it sounds’, as this helps them apply the skills they are learning in school. As the year goes on and their grapheme knowledge grows, they will begin to use more accurate spellings. You can support this at home by encouraging your child to write for real purposes — simple lists, birthday cards, labels, stories or notes are all great ways to build confidence. Celebrating their ideas and efforts, not just the final spellings, helps children enjoy writing and feel proud of their progress.

Maths is fun!

Maths in Year 1 is all about building strong foundations through practical experiences and everyday problem‑solving. You can support your child at home by making maths part of daily life — counting objects, spotting numbers in the environment, comparing sizes, talking about shapes or using real coins during play. Simple activities like board games, cooking, measuring, or counting steps all help children develop confidence with number and early calculation. Keeping maths fun, hands‑on and positive helps children see it as something they can enjoy and succeed in.

Key Information

Year 1's PE day is on Wednesday. Children should attend school in their PE kit on their PE day.  

Useful websites (click on the box to open):