The Best Learning Resources for Primary School Children in the UK
- teachertolu
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
A practical guide for parents (EYFS to Year 6 SATs)
Supporting your child’s learning at home should not require complicated systems or expensive programmes. Often the most effective support comes from a few high quality books, consistent reading habits, and short daily practice sessions.
Over the years, teachers across the UK have consistently recommended certain trusted publishers, workbooks, and learning platforms that align closely with the National Curriculum.
Below is a curated list of excellent resources for each stage of primary school, from Reception through to Year 6 SATs.
EYFS (Reception, Ages 4–5)
At this stage the focus should be on phonics, vocabulary, early number skills, and building a love for books.
Short playful learning sessions work best. Ten minutes of reading together each day can make a remarkable difference.
Recommended Books
These are widely used in UK primary schools and help children practise early phonics and reading skills in a structured way.
Excellent short exercises that develop counting, number recognition and early arithmetic.
A fun reusable workbook that allows children to practise number formation again and again.
Helpful Learning Websites
BBC Bitesize (EYFS & KS1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Twinkl Early Years resources https://www.twinkl.co.uk
Book Trust reading recommendations https://www.booktrust.org.uk
These websites provide free learning games, phonics activities, and reading guidance for families.
KS1 (Years 1–2)
In Key Stage 1, children strengthen the foundations of learning.
The main priorities are:
• Phonics mastery• Reading fluency• Basic arithmetic• Early writing skills
Short 30 mins daily practice in reading and maths can build confidence quickly.
Recommended Workbooks
CGP books are widely used by teachers and provide clear explanations followed by practice questions.
One of the most respected mental maths series in the UK. Just five minutes a day can significantly strengthen number fluency.
Bond books provide excellent exercises for grammar, spelling, and reading comprehension.
Helpful Learning Platforms
Times Tables Rock Stars https://ttrockstars.com
White Rose Maths home learning resources https://whiterosemaths.com
BBC Bitesize KS1 https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z3g4d2p
Oxford owl: Free ebook library
These resources provide interactive practice that makes learning feel like a game.
KS2 (Years 3–5)
By this stage children should be building strong problem-solving skills, reading comprehension, and writing structure.
Parents can help greatly by encouraging children to:
• Read widely
• Practise times tables regularly
• Solve maths problems that require thinking
Recommended Books
This series remains one of the best ways to build strong mental maths skills.
View on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/sk=schofield+sims+mental+arithmetic
Clear explanations followed by carefully graded questions.
Excellent for building Grammar and Vocabulary skills
These are slightly more challenging and help stretch able pupils.
View on Amazon
Excellent Learning Websites
NRICH Maths problem solving tasks https://nrich.maths.org
MyMaths interactive learning platform https://www.mymaths.co.uk
BBC Bitesize KS2 https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/zbr9wmn
NRICH in particular is excellent for developing mathematical reasoning and deeper thinking.
Corbettmaths Primary - Highly recommended for ongoing maths skills development
Year 6 SATs Preparation
SATs in Year 6 assess three main areas:
• Maths
• Reading comprehension
• Grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPaG)
Preparation should focus on practice questions, exam familiarity, and confidence building.
For more information specific to the SATS exam preparation, check out this blog.
Recommended SATs Revision Books
One of the most widely used SATs preparation books in the UK.
Covers grammar, punctuation, spelling and comprehension practice.
Working through past-style papers helps children become comfortable with the exam format.
Free SATs Revision Websites
SATs papers guide -Collation of SATs papers from the past 22 years all free!
BBC Bitesize SATs revision https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/zbr9wmn
Twinkl SATs revision resources https://www.twinkl.co.uk
Mathsframe multiplication practice https://mathsframe.co.uk
For more information about preparing your child for the 11plus or Grammer school exams, I have written a separate blogpost- 11plus prep
A Simple Routine That Works for Most Families
Parents often ask what the best home learning routine looks like. In most cases something simple works best:
Daily Reading: 10–15 minutes reading together.
Mental Maths Practice: 10 - 15 minutes using a workbook or times tables practice.
Weekly Writing: Encourage children to write short stories, journals, or summaries of books they read.
Final Encouragement for Parents
Life can be very busy. There are careers to build, bills to pay and many responsibilities to manage. But the time we invest in our children during these early years has a lasting impact.
A simple routine of reading together, practising a little maths, and encouraging curiosity can build confidence, discipline and a lifelong love for learning.
Small daily efforts often produce extraordinary results over time.
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