School plays a major part in all our lives from the age of five until we are young adults, school will be a big part of what we do, how we learn, think, shape ourselves and get along with others.

Education and Learning in Liverpool

Liverpool City Council provides education and social care for children.  They can provide advice on enrolling your child in school, where to find out about higher education, information about youth support.                      

The City Council can advise on any issue relating to education from school admissions to advice about bullying to music and language tuition, educational visits, special educational needs and term dates.  

0151 233 3000   www.liverpool.gov.uk

Starting school

School works best when it is viewed as a partnership between parents, teachers and your child.  The school your child goes to should be a subject that you give a lot of consideration to.  Starting school can be daunting as there are new places, people, rules and many other things to get used to. 

You need to prepare for school and familiarise your child to the new environment. BBC Parenting and Parenting Advice both contain useful information to help parents and children plan for their early days at school.

www.bbc.co.uk/parenting
www.parentingadvice.org

The National Curriculum

The National Curriculum is an important part of the school years and aims to promote spiritual, moral, social, cultural, physical and mental development, and thus wellbeing.  The national curriculum applies to pupils of compulsory school age and is organised on the basis of four key stages.

Primary key stage 1: Ages 5-7 (Years 1-2)
Primary key stage 2: Ages 7-11 (Years 3-6)
Secondary key stage 3: Ages 11-14 (Years 7-9)
Secondary key stage 4: Ages 14-16 (Years 10-11).

You can find out more about the curriculum by contacting the Qualifications and Curriculum Development Agency at:

0300 303 3010
0300 303 3011

www.qcda.gov.uk

Assistance with School Costs

A travel pass can be granted when the pupil's home is the qualifying distance from the school or college that they attend.  Passes can be used on all bus and train services on the route to school during term times.  School meals are free of charge to pupils whose parents receive certain benefits.  If you qualify for free school meals you may also qualify for a school clothing grant.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a weekly payment paid directly to young people aged 16 - 18.  There are three weekly payment bands depending on household income.  The payment is intended to help with the day-to-day costs when a young person stays on at school or college such as travel, books and equipment for their course.

For more information visit a Liverpool One Stop Shop (see page six) or telephone:

0151 233 3006  for travel pass enquiries
0151 233 3010  for clothing grants and free school meals

To check what other benefits you might be entitled to:

www.entitledto.co.uk